Halep Set to Return in Miami Open
Can Halep make an impact on her return. Bookmakers offer positive Grand Slam outrights.
Simona Halep, the acclaimed Wimbledon victor, is poised to make her tennis comeback at the Miami Open this month, following a reduction of her doping suspension from four years to nine months. The 32-year-old from Romania will participate in the event, starting March 17, through a wildcard entry. Her reduction in suspension came after successfully appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The tennis star, celebrated for her French Open victory in 2018 and Wimbledon triumph in 2019, has been away from competitive play since the US Open in August 2022 due to a failed doping test at that event.
Salep who was a top 10 player for man years as well as holding the number 1 spot on several occasions will look to get back in the mix at the top of women's tennis.
"I'm thrilled to let you all know that I will be making my return in two weeks," she said on Thursday
"Thank you to the tournament for giving me this opportunity and I cannot wait to be back on court and competing."
Alcaraz set sights on another title before defending his Wimbledon crown.
Halep tested positive for roxadustat, a substance known to boost red blood cell production and is typically used to treat anaemia. Further complications arose in May 2023 when the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) charged her for anomalies in her athlete biological passport (ABP), leading to an initial four-year ban by an independent tribunal for alleged intentional doping.
Upon appealing the decision, it was announced on Tuesday that her appeal was partially accepted by CAS, which concluded that there was not enough evidence to prove that Halep intentionally took roxadustat, leading to the reduction of her ban.
Miami Open 2024 - Simona Halep Odds
Outright - TBC
Bookmakers Offer Grand Slam Odds
Bookmakers have Halep listed in outright markets for the remaining 3 grand slam titles in 2024 and next years Australian Open in Melbourne. If you fancy Halep to rise to the top again you will be rewarded with some decent odds.
We tend to go with the thinking that a 9 month break for the former world number 1 could have been a blessing in disguise and a rejuvenated Halep could be a real danger for the top players in women's tennis.
French Open Odds
Outright Winner
Simona Halep - 14/1
Wimbledon Odds
Outright Winner
Simona Halep - 20/1
US Open Odds
Outright Winner
Simona Halep - 12/1
Australian Open 2025
Outright Winner
Simona Halep - 14/1