Chris Evert shows support to Simon Halep amid doping scandal woes

Romanian star Simona Halep has received the backing of Chris Evert in her ongoing doping saga which has stunted the former world number one's career.

Her former coach Patrick Mouratoglou had surprisingly accepted blame for a case of contamination of Halep's nurtional regime which has supported the consensus by many that Halep did not intentionally dope.

"Simona Halep appeal set for February. I, for one, believe she's innocent," wrote Evert on X. 
 
"Yes, she had roxadustat in her system, but she handed her whole life over to her coach and his team, who controlled her career, nutrition and management.

"I think she's innocent." concluded the American former number one. 

Halep has also publicly acknowledged the support she has received from various tennis fraternity members. 

"Well, the support has been amazing," the 32-year-old told Euro News.

"The fans who are supporting me unconditionally, which means a lot. It means a lot to see the people, even if I’m facing the worst moment in my life as an athlete I know I'm clean."

"We are fighting in court and when you are in the worst situation, they are there and they support you. Also the legends. I had such a big support from legends in tennis and they were also publicly speaking about me and this means a lot. They were supporting me fully and it's great, it's huge. Everything helps me to stay strong in these difficult times and to fight to clear my name," added the former Wimbledon winner. 

Halep also expressed gratitude to Mouratoglou for his "admission of guilt" but did express some disappointment with his delay in coming forward with the "truth".

"I wish he could have done that a little bit earlier. I have stopped working with the academy for a while already, said Halep" 

"I'm just, you know… When I found myself in this situation, it was difficult to manage because I have always trusted my teams, previous teams and everybody that I work with. I felt like trusting, you have a better chance to perform at your maximum. And I've always been open to learn from people."

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