'I know I'm clean': Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep opens up about doping scandal

Simona Halep has climbed to the top of world tennis, winning two Grand Slam titles along the way. But now she faces the biggest battle of her life after having been found guilty of taking performance-enhancing drugs.

In this episode of Interview, the Romanian tennis star talks mental health, legal battles, friendships being pushed to breaking point, and her dream of being cleared to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Watch the conversation in the video player above, or read the full interview below.

Tokunbo Salako, Euronews: It's been quite a year for you. A year out of the game. Describe to me, if you can, what's your state of mind right now?

Simona Halep: Well, it's been actually more than one year already, and every day it felt very painful, very emotional, hurtful, because I know I didn't do anything wrong and I know I'm clean. So it was a shock when I received the letter that my urine test, only the urine test came out positive, with actually an extremely low quantity of substance, banned substance. I've been always against doping and you know, I've been loud as well about this, so it didn't even cross my mind in my whole life to do something like this. So it was a shock. I struggled with the emotional part because it's been very heavy on my shoulders and seeing this so much in the public, it was really affecting my mental health, for sure.

Tokunbo Salako, Euronews: Well, you've received an enormous amount of support online, not surprisingly, because you're one of the world's most popular sports stars, but also a lot of detractors as well. How have you reacted to that?

Simona Halep: Well, the support has been amazing. The fans who are supporting me unconditionally, which means a lot. It means a huge amount to see the