Simona Halep’s former coach says ‘no chance’ the two-time grand slam champion knowingly took banned substance
Stephane Auger (right) says the French Open champion was the only player in the draw who could beat Halep
Stephane Auger says he never knew Halep took doping medication in 2006 while he was coaching her
He believes the US Open champion did not know about the use of the drug and has no idea how Halep got to such high levels
Stephane Auger has given an unequivocal response to accusations that he was aware of Halep’s history with ‘performance enhancing drugs’ during her time as his coach.
Auger has not changed his story since he learned of the allegations last month that they took place during one of his meetings when he was the head coach of compatriot Hsieh Su-wei.
In an interview with French TV show ‘The Real’, Auger said he is certain that he had no prior knowledge of the PED use and has no information about the levels of the drug Halep was found to be taking.
He told the TV show: ‘I have the information that Halep took a medication. There were a couple of her friends that had told me.’
Auger said he was shocked by the allegations from her former coach, who accused him of being aware of Halep’s suspicious use of the substance.
He told ‘La Belle Equipe’, the TV show in which Auger gave his interview: ‘I was surprised she did it.
‘I never knew about it. If I had known, I would not have done it. It is not my style to do that. No chance. I am absolutely sure.
‘The truth is, I have no information about this in my mind. I never had any information. I am not sure where it came from.
‘If I had known, I would have taken this person away from her because I
