“Dictatorship is still there” Alexander Zverev speaks about the Peng Shuai case!
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Alexander Zverev and Peng Shuai
German tennis star Alexander Zverev has been one of the most outspoken players in the sport and he does not back down from speaking his mind out even if it includes criticising his own game or issues related to some other things including taking digs at the ATP Tour if some of their decision does not fit well with the player.
Ever since the Peng Shuai case has been getting attention globally, the ATP has maintained a cowardice stand and to the disappointment of many, have not followed the WTA who was the first tennis body to suspend tournaments in China and Hong Kong until the board was assured of the player’s safety. The ITF had initially not taken that step but a few weeks later announced a decision similar to WTA.
The ATP has however not taken any step and the case has also gone cold for some time as there has been no new development in the case. While the Chinese government has threatened the consequences of the suspension of the tournament, the WTA and ITF have not backed down whereas the ATP is not even considering a fight.
Speaking about the topic which is now not being discussed, Zverev had some strong words for the ATP and compared them to a dictatorship. “I hope more news will come and then hopefully the ATP will do something. We live in 2021, in Germany, and we think there is no longer anything like this in the world. But this case shows dictatorship is still there,” said Zverev in his interview with ZDF.
Alexander Zverev condemned the ‘spineless’ ATP statement
“The situation involving Peng Shuai continues to raise serious concerns within and beyond our sport. The response to those concerns has so far fallen short. We again urge for a line of open direct communication between the player and the WTA in order to establish a clearer picture of her situation.
“We know that sport can have a positive influence on society and generally believe that having a global presence gives us the best chance of creating opportunity and making an impact. We will continue to consult with our members and monitor any developments as this issue evolves,” ATP chief Andrea Gaudenzi had said in a statement issued on 2nd December.
Zverev like many others was not in support of the poor statement issued and criticised the committee that aims to protect the interests and safety of its players and with the torture Peng went through, ATP’s statement is definitely weak and direct contradiction of what it aims to do for the players.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)