KEY POINTS
- The WTA has confirmed that it will not return to China until the Peng Shuai issue is resolved.
- He wants an investigation into the allegations made by the Chinese tennis star and an opportunity to meet her.
- Peng claimed she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government official, but later denied making the accusation.
This article contains references to sexual assault.
The return of WTA tournaments to China in 2023 will depend on a resolution to the Peng Shuai issue, with women’s football’s governing body revealing it has still not met the former Chinese doubles world number one in person.
Peng had accused of sexual assault in 2021 in a social media post that was quickly removed from the country’s internet. .
Peng’s message sparked an international outcry over her safety and led the WTA to suspend tournaments in China – a move expected to cost the women’s tour hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasts and sponsorships.
Some people attending last year’s Australian Open were seen wearing “Where is Peng Shuai?” T-shirts. Source: PAA / James Ross
A provisional calendar of 2023 tournaments listed the WTA schedule through September, but there was no clarity on which events would take place in China.
“There has been no change in the WTA’s position regarding a return to China and we have only confirmed our 2023 schedule via the US Open,” the WTA said in a statement.
“A return to the region will require a resolution to the Peng situation in which she took the bold step of publicly accusing that she had been sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government official.
“As we would with any of our players around the world, we have requested a formal investigation into the allegations by the relevant authorities and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with Peng – privately – to discuss her situation.”
The WTA suspended all tournaments in China due to concerns over Peng’s safety. Source: PAA / Andy Brownbill
The WTA said it had received confirmation that Peng was safe and comfortable, but had not yet met her personally.
“We remain firm in our position and our thoughts remain with Peng,” the statement added. “The WTA continues to work towards a resolution.
“While we have always indicated that we hope to be able to host WTA events in the region again, we will not compromise our founding principles to do so.”
In July last year, the men’s governing body ATP had canceled its events in China due to the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
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