In a statement on Wednesday, WTA Chairman Steve Simon said, With the full support of the WTA Board of Directors, I am announcing the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong.
His statement continued, In good conscience, I dont see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault. Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2022.
This move by the WTA marks a shift on how the west deals with China. In the past, organizations would usually try to appease the Asian giant. Losing Chinas favor is seen as a big financial loss. Experts estimate that the WTA will suffer such a loss especially since it has spent the past few years investing heavily into the Chinese market.
The WTA have not conducted in tournaments in China since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but they were heavily present there in 2019, hosting 9 tournaments, including the WTA Finals.
WTAs move was lauded and has garnered a lot of support, especially from tennis stars.
Billie Jean King had this to say, The WTA is on the right side of history in supporting our players. This is another reason why womens tennis is the leader in womens sports.
Current World No.1 and founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), Novak Djokovic voiced his support for the WTAs decision. He also said that, We dont have enough information and I think its a very bold, very courageous stance from WTA.
Other stars like Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, and Martina Navratilova have also voiced their concerns and support for Shuai.
All this came to after Shuai appeared to go missing after she posted on Weibo accusing former Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of coercing her into sex. The post was later on deleted and for more than two weeks, Shuai was not seen in public.
Chinas CGTN later reported in a tweet that Shuai had been in contact with WTAs Simon, telling him that she was, resting at home and everything is fine.
Chinese state media have also released videos that appear to show Shuai doing well. On November 21, Thomas Back of the International Olympic Committee held a video call with Shuai. This, however, was generally considered as a publicity stunt.
Despite all the apparent assurances of Shuais well-being the WTA remains concerned.
If powerful people can suppress the voices of women and sweep allegations of sexual assault under the rug, then the basis on which the WTA was founded equality for women would suffer an immense setback, Simon further said in his statement.