The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is preparing to change some rules so that players accused of doping who have been found not guilty or who have had their bans reduced receive “special ratings”.

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“Special rating” for players not guilty of doping – WTA announcement

The rule change is being considered after the highly publicized case of Simona Halep, who returned to the Miami Open as a wildcard on Tuesday after TAS reduced her four-year doping ban to nine months.

Unlike cases of serious injury or maternity leave, players suspended for doping currently do not enjoy a protected rating upon return and often have to start their careers from scratch.

“We have started the process of revising this rule because we think it is appropriate to analyze this aspect,” a WTA representative said, according to News.ro.

“The exact timetable for any potential rule changes and their subsequent implementation will depend on the feedback we receive from our members.”

For now, unseeded Halep will have to rely on a wildcard to get into the biggest tournaments.

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) welcomed the WTA’s decision to consider a rule change.

“Lost time and opportunities can never be fully recovered. Thus, the PTPA states that athletes cleared of doping violations should be eligible for a special rating upon return to the track. We have demanded such a rule in the past and welcome its consideration now,” PTPA Executive Director Ahmad Nassar said.

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