LAUSANNE: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday reduced the four-year doping ban imposed on Romania’s former world number one Simona Halep to nine months, which have already been served.
The 32-year-old was suspended for four years last September by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after two separate doping infractions the previous year.
The two-time Grand Slam singles champion appealed to CAS in February, arguing that the positive test was the result of a “contaminated product” and anomalies in her biological passport could be linked to surgery she had undergone.
“The CAS Panel has unanimously determined that the four-year period of ineligibility imposed by the ITF Independent Tribunal is to be reduced to a period of ineligibility of nine months starting on 7 October 2022, which period expired on 6 July 2023,” CAS said in a statement.
Halep’s career has been on hold since October 7, 2022, the date of the start of her provisional suspension after testing positive for Roxadustat at the US Open.
Roxadustat is a substance that can be used legitimately to treat anaemia.
But it is also on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list as it is considered a blood-doping agent, which increases haemoglobin and the production of red blood cells.
The biological passport system is designed for the long-term monitoring of an athlete’s blood indicators with the aim of identifying irregularities that could indicate doping.
Halep has protested her innocence and refused to accept the ITIA decision which would have kept keep her from playing professional tennis again until October 6, 2026.
The winner of the 2018 French Open and 2019 Wimbledon singles titles said she wanted to “clear her name” and claimed experts found she had accidentally taken a contaminated supplement.
Halep free to return after four-year doping ban reduced by CAS
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Halep free to return after four-year doping ban reduced by CAS
- The two-time Grand Slam singles champion appealed to CAS in February, arguing that the positive test was the result of a “contaminated product”
- Halep’s career has been on hold since October 7, 2022
Sofia Kenin and Cristina Bucsa win Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open qualifiers
- Mixed day for the Brits as Sonay Kartal progresses but Heather Watson is beaten
- Main draw pits Ons Jabeur against Jelena Ostapenko while Emma Raducanu meets Marketa Vondrousova
ABU DHABI: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open returned to the UAE capital on Saturday with qualifying wins for the likes of Sofia Kenin, Cristina Bucsa and 17-year-old Wakana Sonobe.
Meanwhile, the main draw produced clashes between crowd favorite Ons Jabeur and Jelena Ostapenko, and Grand Slam champions Emma Raducanu and Marketa Vondrousova.
The third edition of the Women’s Tennis Association 500 event takes place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, over the next week, with the final on Saturday, Feb. 8.
American Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, overcame Japan’s Aoi Ito in an entertaining match early on, edging a tight first set via tie-break before running out the winner, 7-6, 6-2.
In her match, Cristina Bucsa fought back from a set down to beat Kamilla Rakhimova 5-7, 7-6, 6-3.
Brit Heather Watson, the Wimbledon mixed doubles champion, suffered an early exit at the hands of Katie Volynets, losing 6-4, 6-3, but her compatriot Sonay Kartal produced a superb comeback against Chloe Paquet, overturning a one-set deficit to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Elsewhere, Sonobe, who won the girls’ singles title at the Australian Open one week ago, defeated Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 6-1, while there were also straight-set victories for Veronika Kudermetova and McCartney Kessler.
Meanwhile, Teodora Kostovic and Renata Zarazua progressed via walkovers following the withdrawals through injury of Diane Parry and Ysaline Bonaventure.
Away from the on-court action, the main draw took place in the new-look Mubadala Tennis Village which, at 15,000 sq. meters, is double the size of previous years.
Three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur takes on Ostapenko, who won the French Open in 2017 and the US Open doubles title in 2024, while 2021 US Open winner Raducanu, goes head-to-head with 2023 Wimbledon champion Vondrousova.
Elsewhere, Belinda Bencic, winner of the inaugural Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in 2023, goes up against Rebecca Sramkova, Polina Kudermetova faces Liudmila Samsonova, and 2022 WTA Finals champion Caroline Garcia plays Lulu Sun.
Tournament director Nigel Gupta said: “The opening day of this year’s tournament has been a huge success, with some wonderful matches and fantastic off-court entertainment. Attendance figures have been great, and it was brilliant to see so many fans of all ages coming through the gates and enjoying the Mubadala Tennis Village.
“The draw has produced some really exciting matches, and everything is on course for the 2025 edition of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open to be the best yet. We look forward to welcoming many more spectators to Zayed Sports City over the course of the next week.”
‘We’re delighted the world’s best players are here,’ says Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open tournament director
- Nigel Gupta spoke to Arab News about the competition’s evolution, the strong field in this year’s event and the growth of tennis in the Middle East
ABU DHABI: The third edition of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open begins on Saturday at Zayed Sports City. Arab News spoke to Tournament Director Nigel Gupta about this year’s event, the return of fan favorite Ons Jabeur and the growth of tennis in the region.
- On the start of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
“We are now only a few days away from the start of the tournament and, naturally, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready for when the first fans walk through the gates.
“As you can imagine, with events of this size and magnitude, the preparations begin almost as soon as the previous year’s tournament ends. It’s a huge operation, but thankfully we have a fantastic team of dedicated staff who are working collectively to bring it all together.
“The event is now in its third year, and you obviously learn lessons from previous editions, which helps in terms of planning. The biggest difference for 2025 is the new-look Mubadala Tennis Village which, at 15,000 sq. meters, is double the size of previous years. It’s a massive area packed full of [activities and food and beverage] vendors, along with the main stage which is where the draw ceremony and live music performances will take place.”
- On the strength of the line-up in Abu Dhabi
“It’s a very strong field and we are delighted many of the world’s best female players will be taking part in this year’s tournament.
“Elena Rybakina, the reigning champion, is returning to defend her crown, while Daria Kasatkina, who was last year’s beaten finalist, will also be back hoping to go one step further this time.
“Ons Jabeur, a big fan favorite in the region, continues her comeback after missing a large chunk of last season through injury and, as always, I’m sure she will receive fantastic support.
“We also have Belinda Bencic, who won the inaugural Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in 2023, Paula Badosa, fresh from reaching the semifinals at the recent Australian Open, Marketa Vondrousova, winner of Wimbledon in 2023, and Beatriz Haddad Maia, who has reached the semifinal stage two years in a row.
“We have a great mix of experienced stars and young talented prospects, which include the US’s Ashlyn Krueger and Japan’s Wakana Sonobe, who only last weekend won the girls’ singles title at the Australian Open.
- On fan favorite Ons Jabeur of Tunisia
“It’s obviously brilliant, given her profile in the Middle East, to have Ons involved, particularly as she missed a large part of last season through injury. She is hugely popular with the fans, which we saw at last year’s event, but more importantly she is a brilliant player who brings so much quality to the tournament.
“The event continues to grow, and we want the best players competing. Ons undoubtedly fits that bill and we’re looking forward to watching her in action.”
- On Jabeur inspiring a generation of young Arab players
“Ons has a huge profile in this part of the world and it’s certainly something she takes very seriously. She has spoken about this previously and there is no doubt she sets a fantastic example through her professionalism, quality and all-round approach to the game.
“The popularity of tennis in the Middle East across all age groups is growing, which we have seen first-hand through our Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Schools Program, where we go into schools in Abu Dhabi to educate youngsters about the sport in a fun and interactive way.
“Ons has played a huge part in this growth through both her performances on-court and the manner in which she conducts herself away from the game. What we want to see moving forward is the next generation of Arab stars following her lead, coming through and making an impact in the sport.”
- On Emma Raducanu joining as a wild card
“We’re obviously delighted a player of Emma’s caliber and standing will be competing at the event. It’s fantastic for us to announce another Grand Slam winner, particularly coming so close to the start of the tournament.
“Emma is an exciting talent and it’s easy to forget she is still only 22. Naturally, winning the US Open at the age of 18 propelled her into the global media spotlight, which obviously brings its own challenges, but she is a fantastic player, and we are looking forward to watching her in action when she plays her first match on Saturday.
“She proved hugely popular with the fans last time, and I’m sure they will be thrilled she is returning, particularly [as] tickets for the opening two days of the tournament are completely free of charge. It’s not often you get the opportunity to watch a Grand Slam winner in action at no cost, so this really is something special.”
- On the evolution of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
“It’s been an upward trajectory since our maiden event in 2023, with the tournament growing in size and stature year on year.
The tournament continues to make a huge impact on the local community through initiatives such as the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Schools Program, where assemblies are taking place across 50 schools in Abu Dhabi.
“We are also hosting assemblies in five universities, as well as staging Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open-themed roadshows at 10 locations in the capital. Our Chair Umpire Program, meanwhile, is a fantastic initiative for aspiring officials.
“Additionally, the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a community initiative developed by Mubadala in partnership with the UAE Tennis Federation, which provides a pathway for aspiring players across the UAE to elevate their game. Tournaments have been taking place in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, with the finals held as part of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. Among the prizes is an all-expenses-paid trip to train at the prestigious Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Spain, where Carlos Alcaraz honed his skills.”
- On the growth of tennis in the Middle East
“The region is hosting more events than ever before, which is pivotal for the long-term development of the sport. The increased number of tournaments is obviously great for fans based here, who now have multiple opportunities to watch the biggest stars in action.
“For example, the week after the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open ends, there is the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, and then the Dubai Duty Free Championship begins. With further events taking place across the region over the course of the year, it’s a very exciting period.”
Mideast, North Africa tennis revolution is reshaping global game
- Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to champion the evolution of the women’s game, while the WTA Finals in Riyadh marked a turning point
- Ons Jabeur leads the charge, but a new generation of MENA stars are ready to make their mark on the world stage
ABU DHABI: The landscape of global tennis is shifting, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Long known for its passion for sport, the region has in recent years rapidly evolved into a major player in world tennis, hosting marquee events, attracting top talent, and facilitating the evolution of the sport —particularly in the female game.
As the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open prepares for its third edition from Feb. 1 to 8 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, the tournament is not just another stop on the WTA calendar but a testament to the region’s growing prominence in the sport.
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and now Riyadh, have become regular hosts of high-profile events, culminating in Saudi Arabia’s historic hosting of the WTA Finals in 2024.
The WTA Finals’ move to Riyadh from November last year represents a milestone moment, reflecting the growing investment and commitment to women’s sports.
The backing of such prestigious events signals a long-term vision to foster elite competition, nurture local talent, and make the region an integral part of the professional tennis circuit.
Within this broader evolution, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has carved out a unique role. Established in 2023, the tournament has grown into a crucial early-season event that not only attracts top-ranked players but also provides emerging stars with a valuable competitive platform.
The tournament’s impact extends beyond the court. It has become a beacon for the development of women’s tennis, particularly in a region where opportunities for female athletes have historically been limited. This aligns with the broader movement to elevate women’s sports within MENA.
Additionally, there are excellent initiatives such as the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, in which tournaments for aspiring players of all ages (male and female) are held across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah.
Prizes include a chance to train at the prestigious Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Spain, where Carlos Alcaraz honed his skills. The event is helping to foster a sustainable pipeline of talent in the region.
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of MENA’s tennis transformation is the emergence of homegrown stars.
Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian trailblazer, is a three-time Grand Slam finalist and one of the tour’s most popular players. Her success has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for younger Arab tennis players.
Jabeur understands her important position and has said: “Being the first Arab woman to achieve worldwide success in tennis, I have become a role model, influencing young athletes all over Tunisia and Africa.”
Jabeur is not alone. Rising talents from Egypt, Morocco and the Gulf are making inroads on the professional circuit, spurred on by the growing visibility of tennis in their home countries.
Born in Texas and representing Lebanon, Hady Habib has made significant strides on the international tennis scene. In 2024, he made history by becoming the first player to represent Lebanon in Olympic tennis, facing world-class opponents including Alcaraz.
Saudi Arabia’s Yara Alhogbani, meanwhile, claimed both singles and doubles titles in her junior career before competing, as a 19-year-old, in the qualifying rounds at last year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
Although retired, both Morocco’s Younes El-Aynaoui and Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri remain influential figures in MENA tennis following solid careers, with their respective legacies continuing to motivate aspiring players.
With increased investment in coaching, facilities, and junior development programs, MENA is poised to produce even more competitive players in the years to come.
Jannik Sinner beats Alexander Zverev in 3 sets for his second Australian Open title in a row
- Jannik Sinner is the youngest man to leave Melbourne Park with the trophy two years in a row since Jim Courier in 1992-1993
MELBOURNE: Jannik Sinner claimed his second consecutive Australian Open championship on Sunday, never facing a single break point and using his complete game to outplay and frustrate Alexander Zverev for a 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory in the final.
Sinner, a 23-year-old Italian, is the youngest man to leave Melbourne Park with the trophy two years in a row since Jim Courier in 1992-93.
Sinner rose to No. 1 last June, remaining there for every week since, and the gap between him and No. 2-ranked Zverev was pronounced as can be in Rod Laver Arena. This was the first Australian Open final between the men at No. 1 and No. 2 since 2019, when No. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated No. 2 Rafael Nadal – also in straight sets.
Here’s how dominant Sinner has been since the start of last season: He has won three of the five major tournaments, including the US Open in September, and his record in that span is 80-6 with a total of nine tournament titles. His current unbeaten run covers 21 matches, dating to last year.
The only thing that’s clouded the past 12 months for Sinner, it seems, is a doping case in which he was cleared by a ruling that was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. He tested positive for a trace amount of an anabolic steroid twice last March but blamed it on an accidental exposure involving two members of his team who have since been fired. Sinner initially was exonerated in August; a hearing in the WADA appeal is scheduled for April.
While Sinner became the eighth man in the Open era (which began in 1968) to start his career 3-0 in Grand Slam finals, Zverev is the seventh to be 0-3, adding this loss to those at the 2020 US Open and the 2024 French Open.
Those earlier setbacks both came in five sets. This contest was not that close. Not at all.
There truly was only one moment that felt as if it contained a hint of tension. It was late in the second set, which Zverev was two points from owning when he led 5-4 and got to love-30 on Sinner’s serve. But a break point – and a set point – never arrived there.
Zverev not got closer, dropping the next four points, making it 5-all. Sinner then emerged with the ensuing tiebreaker. No surprise there: He went 4-0 in those set-deciders over the past two weeks and has grabbed 16 of his past 18.
A year ago, Sinner went through a lot more trouble to earn his first Slam, needing to get past Novak Djokovic – who quit one set into his semifinal against Zverev on Friday because of a torn hamstring – first, before erasing a two-set deficit in the final against 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
Beating Zverev allowed Sinner to become the first man since Nadal at the French Open in 2005 and 2006 to follow up his first Grand Slam title by repeating as the champion at the same tournament a year later.
Australian Open: Keys upsets 2-time champion Sabalenka in women’s final for 1st Grand Slam title
- Madison Keys is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to defeat both of the WTA’s top two players at Melbourne Park
MELBOURNE: Madison Keys of the United States upset two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the Australian Open final on Saturday night to collect her first Grand Slam title at age 29.
By adding this win over the No. 1-ranked Sabalenka to an elimination of No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals on Thursday — saving a match point along the way — Keys is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to defeat both of the WTA’s top two players at Melbourne Park.
Keys, ranked 14th and seeded 19th, was playing in her second major final after being the runner-up at the 2017 US Open.
She prevented Sabalenka from earning what would have been her third women’s trophy in a row at the Australian Open — something last accomplished by Martina Hingis from 1997-99 — and her fourth major title overall.
