
Former world No. 1 and two-time major champion Simona Halep made a highly anticipated return to the tennis court at the Miami Open after an 18-month absence due to a doping ban. Halep, who tested positive for roxadustat at the 2022 US Open, saw her four-year suspension reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after accepting her claim of not being completely at fault.
Granted a wild-card entry to the Miami Open, Halep faced Paula Badosa in the first round. Despite losing the match, Halep expressed gratitude for the warm reception she received from fans and the tournament. She acknowledged feeling a mix of nerves and excitement but was pleased with her performance on the court.