Simona Halep returns to court in Miami

Simona Halep shared a video on Tuesday showcasing her practice session on the courts of the upcoming Miami Open, marking her return to competitive play following a successful appeal against a doping suspension.

Halep expressed her delight at returning to the competition after her doping ban was reduced by the top court for global sport. In an Instagram story, she humorously stated, "It feels like I never left," accompanied by a winking emoji.

She also thanked the Miami Open for welcoming her back on her first day of competition.

Halep, a former champion at Wimbledon and the French Open, had been suspended in October 2022 for testing positive for the banned drug roxadustat at the US Open.

Additionally, she faced another doping charge related to irregularities in her athlete biological passport.

Despite vehemently denying the accusations, Halep admitted that she may have been forced to retire if the original four-year ban had been upheld.

The Miami Open is scheduled to take place from March 17th to 31st.