Fearing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, the Women’s Tennis Association has announced the immediate suspension of all tournaments in China. Peng, 35, vanished from public view for three weeks after accusing China’s top executives of sexual assault.
Penn had “serious suspicions” that he was “free, safe, and unintimidated,” according to WTA chief Steve Simon.
“I haven’t seen how athletes can be asked to compete there with a clear conscience,” he said. The WTA has repeatedly demanded that Peng’s allegations be thoroughly investigated. Peng sparked widespread concern after accusing former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault.
During a video call with Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, in November, she stated that she was “safe and well.” The WTA, on the other hand, said the video provided “insufficient evidence” of Peng’s safety.
Simon stated in a lengthy statement that he is “extremely concerned” about the risks that players and staff may face if events are held in China in 2022. “China’s leadership has not addressed this very serious issue in any credible manner,” he said.
“If the powers that be could silence women’s voices and sweep allegations of sexual assault under the rug, the foundation upon which the WTA was founded would suffer a major setback,” I told the WTA and its players.
“I’m not going to let you wake me up, and I’m not going to forgive you.” Tournaments in Hong Kong are also paused.
Billie Jean King, the WTA’s founder and former World No. 1, praised the organization’s firm stance. “This is yet another reason why women’s tennis is a leader in women’s sports,” tweeted King. “The WTA is on the right side of history in terms of assisting athletes.”
Many players, including Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and US Open quarterfinalist Shelby Rogers, tweeted their support for the WTA’s decision. Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sports Commission, applauded the decision, saying, “If only other sports had shown such solidarity and moral clarity.”
There have been no WTA events in China for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In recent years, however, governing bodies have relied heavily on Chinese investment for tours, resulting in a plethora of lucrative tournaments in the country.
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In the 2019 season, China hosted nine tournaments with a total prize pool of $ 30.4 million (£ 22.6 million), including the WTA Finals at the end of the season. Simon is concerned about the economic consequences of not playing in China, but he believes Penn’s proceedings are “greater than business.” “This is something we can’t get away from,” he said.
“When we move away from what we were looking for, we tell the world that it’s okay to stay away from sexual assault with the respect and seriousness it requires, but it’s not.” We can’t do that and we can’t get out of it. “Peng, who was once the world’s number one doubles player, claimed on Chinese social media site Weibo that he was forced to have a sexual relationship with Zhang.
The post was deleted after a few minutes and Peng wasn’t seen in public for some time. Some tennis players are paying attention to the Twitter topic with the hashtag #WhereisPengShuai.
Simon said that they should not ask the ATP to take a similar stance in men’s games, but that the governing body supported their stance.
“I don’t think [the ATP not interfering with the tournament] would jeopardize our position,” he said. “Our position revolves around what is best for the WTA and female athletes, and we stick to that position.” Make decisions that others think are appropriate.
He added that Chinese authorities continue to hope to take steps to “legally deal” with Peng’s allegations. ‘I have no choice.’ “Sorry at this point, China’s leadership has left the WTA with no other option,” Simon added.
“If China does not take the steps we seek, holding an event in China will put players and staff at risk.” Cannot be exposed to. ” In October, China issued a statement stating that “people should stop deliberately and maliciously playing [problems] and far less politicize the subject.”
Zhang Gaoli, who resigned from the government in 2018, has yet to respond to the allegations.
The 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Olympics will be held in Beijing in February and March.
