WTA Extends Suspension of China Tournaments Over Peng Shuai Concerns

WTA Issues Statement After Year-Long Suspension

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced that its suspension of tournaments in China will continue for at least another year due to ongoing concerns over the well-being of former world doubles number one Peng Shuai.

Suspension Includes Prestigious China Open

The suspension, which was first imposed in December 2021, includes the prestigious China Open, a WTA 1000 tournament that is one of the most lucrative events on the women's tennis calendar.

The WTA said in a statement that it "has been clear and consistent in its position that it will not compromise on player safety" and that "it has made repeated attempts to open a direct line of communication with Chinese tennis authorities to discuss Peng Shuai's situation."

Peng Shuai's Disappearance and Reappearance

Peng disappeared from public view in November 2021 after posting a series of social media messages alleging that she had been sexually assaulted by a former Chinese government official.

After several weeks of international pressure, Chinese state media released videos and photos of Peng, but the WTA and other human rights groups have expressed concern that she may not be free from coercion.

WTA Stands by Decision, Despite Economic Impact

The WTA's decision to continue the suspension of tournaments in China is likely to have a significant financial impact on the WTA, as the Chinese market is a major source of revenue for the organization.

However, the WTA said that it is "committed to the principles of the WTA and believes that this is the right decision for the long-term health of women's tennis."

Other Tennis Organizations Express Support

Other tennis organizations, such as the ATP Tour and the International Tennis Federation, have expressed their support for the WTA's decision.

In a statement, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said that "the ATP fully supports the WTA's decision to continue the suspension of tournaments in China." Gaudenzi added that "the safety of our players is paramount and we will continue to work with the WTA to find a resolution to this situation."