Simona Halep has admitted she feels "confused and betrayed" after a learning of her positive drug test. It was confirmed by the International Tennis Integrity Association, which oversees anti-doping and other integrity issues for the sport.
The two-time grand slam champion was found to have Roxadustat, an anti-anaemia drug, in her system after she was tested at the US Open in August. The drug is used to help spare patients with kidney disease the pain of injections if they develop anaemia and helps stimulate the production of red blood cells.
It works by mimicking the body's natural response to reduced oxygen in the blood – blocking an enzyme that limits the production of new red blood cells while increasing the absorption of iron in the blood. Studies have shown Studies show the drug is just as effective at boosting oxygen levels and alleviating symptoms as the current treatments.
