Halep tested positive for roxadustat, an anti-anemia drug that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body.
In May 2023, Halep was handed a second indictment by the International Tennis Integrity Authority (ITIA). This time it was an athlete's biological passport (ABP) fraud.
An independent report instigated by the ITIA found that Halep had “deliberately” doped and handed her a four-year ban.
Ms. Halep appealed the decision, and on Tuesday her appeal was partially granted, with Ms. Kass stating that “on the balance of probabilities'' Ms. Halep did not intentionally take roxadustat. It was announced that a judgment had been rendered.
Charges regarding discrepancies in her athletes' biological passports were dismissed by Cass.
Halep's ban will be reduced to nine months, backdated to the start of her provisional suspension in October 2023, and she will be able to return to competition within the next few weeks.
Halep said the ruling was a “pivotal moment” that brought “clarity”.
Had her original suspension, which ran until October 2026, continued, she would have been closer to 36 years old by the time she was cleared to return.
“My unwavering belief in the integrity of truth and the principles of justice has guided me throughout this difficult journey,” she said.
“I look forward to turning the page and rejoining the tour with renewed vigor and an uplifting spirit.”
