Simona Halep rows with Caroline Wozniacki over doping ban after losing at Miami Open | Tennis | Sport

The 32-year-old was handed a four-year ban last September after being found to have breached the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. Halep was found to have consumed an anti-anaemia supplement called roxadustat, which stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Following an appeal, Halep’s ban was reduced to nine months by the CAS. It was determined “on the balance of probabilities” that the two-time Grand Slam champion had not taken the substance intentionally.

Halep was handed a wildcard for the Miami Open – although lost on her return against Paula Badosa – but it was a decision that left Wozniacki uncomfortable. The Danish player feels any player found to have taken a performance-enhancing drug, even by mistake, should work their way up from the bottom.

Wozniacki said of Halep’s return: “Well, first of all, I’ve always liked Simona. We’ve always had a good relationship.

“I’ve been very outspoken in the past about how I feel about doping and all of that. I think my view on doping is the same. I have always wanted a clean sport, fair for everybody. I think it’s definitely still my opinion.

“Again, this is not directly at Simona, but if someone purposely cheats, if someone has tested positive for doping… I understand why a tournament wants a big star in the tournament, but it’s my personal belief, and it’s not a knock on anyone, but it’s my personal belief that I don’t think people should be awarded wildcards afterwards.

“If you want to come back, and it’s been a mistake, I understand, you should work your way up from the bottom. That’s my personal opinion upon things.”

Wildcards are handed to players who do not rank highly enough to automatically qualify for a tournament. Halep has maintained her innocence and says one person being “negative” is not “important” to her.