Novak Djokovic's organisation, the Professional Tennis Players Association, has released a statement backing Simona Halep after she failed a doping test at this year's US Open.
The anti-anaemia drug Roxadustat was found in the Romanian's sample, which is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited substance list.
The drug is an oral medication, sold under the brand name Evrenzo, which stimulates the production of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
Halep has been handed a provisional suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency and is currently ineligible to compete in any tennis events organised by the governing bodies of the sport.
What has Simona Halep said about the ban?
The former French Open and Wimbledon champion recently released a statement claiming her innocence on social media.
She wrote that she felt "completely confused and betrayed" by the result of her test sample.
"Today begins the hardest match of my life: a fight for the truth," her statement began.
"I have been notified that I have tested positive for a substance called Roxadustat in an extremely low quantity, which came as the biggest shock of my life.
"I will fight until the end to prove that I never knowingly took any prohibited substance and I have faith that sooner or later, the truth will come out."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 29: Simona Halep of Romania looks on against Daria Snigur of Ukraine during the Women's Singles First Round on Day One of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The world number nine suffered an early defeat at the US Open, exiting the tournament in the first round after losing to Ukraine's Daria Snigur.
Last month, Halep confirmed she would not be returning to the court this year after undergoing sinus surgery due to breathing difficulties.
She confirmed her 2022 season was over, but stressed she would return for the new campaign next year.
"I don't know how long the recovery will take, at the moment I am not thinking about anything but recovery. What is sure, is that this year I won't be able to compete in any official tournaments," she wrote.
"See you on court, 2023! I feel I still have a lot to do on a tennis court and I still have some goals."
What has Djokovic's organisation said?
The PTPA has declared its support for Halep and confirmed it will back her during this process.
In response to the Romanian's Twitter post, the organisation uploaded a short statement.
"The PTPA is committed to ensure that Simona Halep, like all other tennis players, has a fair trial during the entire process," it read.
"We will fight for her rights and try to insist on transparency for all other tennis players."
What is the Professional Tennis Players Association?
The PTPA is an association founded by Djokovic and Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil in 2019.
Its aim is to "create transparency and fairness throughout decision-making in professional tennis" and represents both male and female players ranked in the top 350 singles, or the top 150 in doubles, on the ATP and WTA Tour.
The PTPA is the first player-only association in tennis since 1972. More than 500 members joined just one year after its foundation and many high profile players have voiced their support for the organisation.