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Romanian tennis ace Simona Halep made a comeback to tennis after she got her four-year ban reduced to nine months over doping. The former World No. 1 player was handed a wildcard entry into the 2024 Miami Open. Although she lost to Paula Badosa in the first round, Halep showed that she has still got it as she won the first set 6-1.
While many lauded the Romanian for her grit and determination, a few also raised questions about Halep getting a wildcard entry into a Masters tournament right after coming back after serving a ban. Amid all the talks, Tara Moore, Britain’s former doubles world No. 1 has rued not getting such an opportunity for herself.
Moore was also banned over anti-doping violations but was later cleared of all charges with the ITIA declaring that the banned substance entered her body through the food she consumed. But with no protected rankings, Moore could not find her way back and she complained about the same on social media after Halep got a wildcard entry.
Great that @Simona_Halep is able to get back onto her feet so quickly. Shame it's not the same for myself and other players who have been exonerated that aren't so high on the totem pole. The WTA needs a rule that if a player is found with NO FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE AT ALL they should at least be given a protective [ranking]. Tara Moore posted on X.
That if a player is found with NO FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE AT ALL they should at least be given a protective. Not even a welcome back email or even a cursory ‘here’s the membership for the rest of the year you didn’t get to play when you were falsely accused’ it’s just disheartening
— Tara Moore (@TaraMoore92) March 8, 2024
WTA mulling to introduce special rankings for players like Tara Moore and Simona Halep
With a debate around the unnecessary suffering of players like Tara Moore and Simona Halep, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is mulling to introduce a special ranking for players cleared of doping allegations. The WTA is said to discussing helping players who lose out on ranking points over doping bans.
We have begun a process of reviewing this rule as we believe it is appropriate to consider. The precise timeline for any potential rule change and its subsequent implementation will be dependent on the feedback received from our members. A WTA spokesperson said to Reuters via email. (H/T: ESPN)
It is worth noting that players banned for doping offenses do not get protected rankings unlike in the case of serious injuries or maternity leave and have to rebuild their careers from scratch. While players like Halep have the privilege of getting entry into big tournaments with the help of wildcards, someone like Moore misses out on opportunities.
The Novak Djokovic-backed Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) also supported this potential decision from WTA. PTPA executive director Ahmad Nassar has said that they have advocated for protected rankings for players like Moore and Halep before and are happy about WTA considering it now.
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