🤯 4 more years: Halep ban

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has been handed down a four-year ban following intentional anti-doping violations. The 31-year-old Romanian tested positive for Roxadustat at the 2022 US Open and was also found guilty by the independent tribunal of using an unspecified prohibited substance due to irregularities in her biological passport.

What the hell is Roxadustat?
Roxadustat is an approved anti-anaemia drug in the European Union. The drug stimulates red blood cell production, or otherwise better known as erythropoietin (EPO), a substance historically associated with doping in sports like cycling and distance running.

And what is a Biological Passport?
Halep faced a second doping charge in May for irregularities in her athlete biological passport, which was separate from her 2022 suspension. This passport is used to monitor an athlete's body substances for signs of doping. The tribunal found no reason to doubt experts' opinions that doping likely explained the irregularities.

Will Halep appeal the decision?
Halep has expressed her intention to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. She vehemently denies any wrongdoing and vows to clear her name. She argued that a contaminated supplement led to her positive test but the tribunal concluded it wouldn't account for the concentration of Roxadustat found. Halep plans to pursue legal action against the supplement company responsible for the contamination.

When will she back?
Halep has been provisionally suspended since October 2022 and could return to play in October 2026. By then she will be 35 years old.

Support from tennis community
The Professional Tennis Players Association has expressed support for Halep and criticized the delays in her case. They are committed to aiding her in any future appeals. At the same time, current coach Patrick Mouratoglou expressed his frustration over the decision on social media and highlighted his support for Halep.

Not so supportive was Serena Williams, who appeared to throw some shade Halep’s way when she tweeted “8 is a better number” after the decision was announced. The reference is to her 7 WImbledon titles, which would have been 8 if not for losing to Halep in the 2019 Championship finals.

A Stellar Career Marred by Scandal
Halep, a former world number one, won the French Open and Wimbledon and earned 24 WTA tour singles titles. Her appeal will determine whether she can make a comeback and remove any doubt around her achievements to date. It’s a long road ahead though.

 🌯 Davis Cup Wrap-up

No time to rest, because this week, 16 countries are battling it out in the Davis Cup Finals Group Stage, all aiming for a spot in the Final 8 set for November in Malaga. The slugfest spans four cities: Bologna, Manchester, Valencia, and Split, with only the top two countries from each group advancing to the knockout stage in two months. Let the games begin!

Here’s what went down on day one…

Netherlands triumphs over finland
In a thrilling encounter, Wesley Koolhof and Matwe Middelkoop secured a vital doubles victory for the Netherlands against Finland's Harri Heliovaara and Patrik Niklas-Salminen 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3. The win saw the Netherlands to a 2-1 win. Earlier, Otto Virtanen had given Finland an initial lead by defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6(0), 6-4. Tallon Griekspoor then stepped up, leveling the tie by beating Emil Ruusuvuori 7-6(7), 6-3.

Chile prevails against Sweden
Chile also enjoyed success on day one. Cristian Garin fought hard to defeat Leo Borg 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-5. Then Nicolas Jarry sealed the victory for Chile with a 6-2, 6-4 triumph against Elias Ymer. Final score ended 3-0 for Chile.

France dominates Switzerland
Ugo Humbert led France to a 2-0 lead against Switzerland by defeating Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4. Earlier, Adrian Mannarino overcame Dominic Stricker with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 win. Before Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin sealed the 3-0 win for France in the doubles.

Serbia starts strong
In Group C, Serbia outmuscled South Korea in the singles with Dusan Lajovic defeating Hong Seongchan 6-4, 7-6(3), and Laslo Djere beating Soonwoo Kwon with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 win. Serbia aims to reach the quarter-finals for the third time in four seasons.

 ⏰ Shot Clock

🫡 US President Joe Biden shared congratulations to Coco Gauff. Posting on social media the American president congratulated Coco Gauff on winning the US Open and "making America proud."

☀️ WTA San Diego underway with big names on the drawcard. Day one finished longer than expected due to rain delays but day 2 promises a number of top seeds in action including Jelena Ostapenko, Danielle Collins and a match between Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Leylah Fernandez

🏆️ Uncle Toni spills the beans on Nadal’s comeback plans. Speaking with Spanish publication ElDesmarque, Toni Nadal shared news that Rafa was recovering well from surgery and was committed to return for the 2024 Australian Open. He even hinted at an earlier return in November for the DC finals.

😡 Warwrinka takes a jab at ITF for empty stadiums and the DC. The Swiss journeyman shared a video and sarcastic caption of a near empty Manchester Arena for Switzerland's Davis Cup tie. The jab was in frustration to what players believe as the ITF and Pique killing the spirit of the DC, after they pulled out their support for the format.

📈 Can tennis teach you how to be a better investor? The Financial Times discusses what tennis can teach about risk and return when it comes to investing. It turns out we midweek warriors are in a loser’s game, which for our investing means we are better off minimising losers vs maximising winners. We can be the Djokovic of investing.

 📽️ Looking back

At 19, Coco Gauff became the youngest American player to win the US Open since Serena Williams achieved the same victory at 17.

It feels like it’s been a long journey for her to get to the title, but that is because she hasn’t just burst onto the scene. Gauff went pro at the age of just 14, the year after she lost in the final of the US Open juniors. Astonishing.

Here’s a look back at that match where Gauff at only 13 probably learnt a valuable lesson that she would have no doubt used to propel her to the women’s title in 2023.