Fans gave Simona Halep a warm welcome as the Romanian made her return to tennis at the Miami Open following a completed doping suspension, despite her defeat.
However, Caroline Wozniacki does not share the same enthusiasm for Halep’s return. She believes Halep should not have been invited to the main draw in Miami with a wildcard.
“I’ve been very open about my views on doping and such in the past. I’ve always wanted a clean sport that’s fair for everyone. That’s definitely still my stance,” Wozniacki stated, according to Reuters.
Unlike Halep, the Danish tennis player advanced from the first round of the WTA 1000 tournament.
Wozniacki emphasizes that she has always had a good relationship with Halep and personally likes the Romanian. However, on principle, the Dane opposes the awarding of wildcards to players returning from doping bans.
“It’s not directed specifically at Simona, but if someone cheats on purpose, if someone tests positive for doping, then it’s my personal belief they shouldn’t be awarded a wildcard afterward.”
“I understand why a tournament would want a big star’s participation. It’s not about attacking anyone, but it’s my personal opinion that you shouldn’t receive a wildcard afterward.”
“If someone wants to come back and it was a mistake, I get it, but they should work their way up from the bottom,” Wozniacki believes.
Halep’s suspension was reduced from a four-year ban to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS.
However, Wozniacki notes that despite the reduction of over three years, Halep still received a punishment.
