Simona Halep returns from doping ban in 1st-round loss at Miami - ESPN

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA — Simona Halep had just lost to Paula Badosa 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Miami Open on Tuesday, but she couldn't help but smile and flash a thumbs up to the crowd as she walked off the court.

For Halep, the day was «special» regardless of the result, as it marked the welcome conclusion of an 18-month absence from competition due to a doping ban.

The former world No. 1 and two-time major champion tested positive for roxadustat, a banned blood-booster substance, at the 2022 US Open and had not played since. Originally given a four-year suspension — which the 32-year-old said Tuesday would have effectively ended her career — it was reduced earlier this month to nine months after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted her claim that she was not completely at fault.

As the ban was applied retroactively, Halep was immediately cleared to play, and the Miami Open granted her a wild-card entry soon after.

Halep looked strong in the opening set against Badosa, but her level dropped in the second and third sets, perhaps due to rust and long stretch away from match play. She needed treatment on her right shoulder during a medical timeout late in the second set and had 10 double faults in the match.

But Halep still seemed happy to be back as she walked into her postmatch news conference. She told reporters, «I missed this» as she sat down in her chair. She went on to say she felt a mixture of nerves, excitement and other emotions, but she expressed her gratitude to the tournament and the fans for giving her such a warm welcome.

There were several Romanian flags in the crowd at Grandstand Stadium, and «Si-mon-a» chants were heard throughout the match.

«I would rate it as a special day,