​Serena Williams was quick to react on the X platform (formerly Twitter) after the ITIA announced that Simona Halep had received a 4-year suspension for her alleged involvement in doping.

The multiple Grand Slam winner’s message is short and cryptic: “8 is the best number.”

After the mysterious post of the American woman, all kinds of interpretations immediately appeared on social networks.

Tennis fans have been quick to speculate, and many believe that Serena is alluding to her decisive loss at Wimbledon (in 2019, 2-6, 2-6) to Simona Halep. If she wins in the final action at the All England Club, the American would reach 8 titles on London grass.

With that title, Williams would reach her total of 24, tying the legendary Margaret Court. Besides, it was Serena’s great obsession in the latter part of her career: to be at least equal to Court in the most important ranking in tennis – the ranking of major titles.

Other netizens believed that Serena suggested that an 8-year ban would be more appropriate than the 4 that Simone received from an independent sports tribunal.

Nicole Gibbs (30), Simona Halep’s former opponent in the world tournament, had an important reaction to the news of Simona’s suspension.

Having left white sports for two years, the American talked about Simona’s case.

“It’s such a disappointment when you find out that half of your tennis heroes have cheated. It’s so frustrating and it’s turning sports into something ugly.

This is an unfair fight. You’d be surprised how many there are and how many go unnoticed (I think a lot)” – Nicole Gibbs on Twitter.

The American’s post was liked by Serena Williams, who liked Gibbs’ message on the X platform. Also on the same wavelength as the American’s post was Eugenie Bouchard.

“It is very important that players know the rules of the tennis anti-doping program and adhere to them,”that was the reaction ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) after the disqualification of Simona Halep.

Know:

• The news that Simona Halep was temporarily suspended for doping appeared on Friday, October 21, 2022.

• Simona’s case was heard by Sport Resolutions, an independent tribunal in London that hears doping cases in white sport.

• Simone has only one appeal: the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

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