Serena Williams accused of ‘arrogance’ in angry response to Simona Halep post
Simona Halep’s ban from tennis prompted a post on social media from former nemesis Serena Williams, and she’s been called “arrogant” by another player.
Romanian tennis player Sorana Cirstea has defended countrywoman Simona Halep after Serena Williams appeared to criticize the former World No. 1 following her doping ban. Halep has been handed a four-year ban by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, and Williams posted on X/Twitter shortly after the decision was made.
Williams posted “8 is a better number” online, with fans doing their best to work out what the hidden message was about.
It’s been speculated that it’s linked to the 2019 Wimbledon final when Halep caused an upset by beating Williams. Halep denied Williams her eighth Wimbledon title as she made only three unforced errors during the entire match, but the retired tennis legend clearly feels her defeat may have been linked to the doping saga.
Williams had only lost one of her past nine meetings with the Romanian before the 2019 final. It was also Halep’s first win over Williams in a Grand Slam, but the retired American has now had the last laugh.
Williams retired from tennis shortly after the 2022 US Open, finishing her career with 23 Grand Slam singles titles and a historic legacy. But even after retiring, Williams remains competitive and has been called out by Halep’s friend and fellow professional Cirstea.