“We continue to hold firm on our position,” WTA clarifies their stance on returning to China amidst the Peng Shuai controversy

“We continue to hold firm on our position,” WTA clarifies their stance on returning to China amidst the Peng Shuai controversy

Peng Shuai

WTA has openly expressed their concerns about former tennis player Peng Shuai‘s whereabouts. Recently, it was announced that the association might include China in the tour but WTA chief Steve Simon has now denied those claims. The Chinese player’s unsafe living conditions and vague locations have made headlines after she accused former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault.

Simon recently said that the WTA wouldn’t want to be associated with China unless the safety and freedom of Peng Shuai are ensured. He claimed, “The WTA continues to work towards a resolution in China and are hopeful we will be in a position to operate events in the region in 2023 and beyond, but we will not compromise our founding principles in order to do so.”

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Our thoughts remain with her: WTA chief Steve Simon comments on the Peng Shuai controversy

WTA Chief Steve Simon and Peng Shuai
WTA Chief Steve Simon and Peng Shuai

Steve Simon further added, “Peng Shuai took a bold step in publicly coming forth with the accusation that she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government leader. As we would do with any of our players globally, we have called for a formal investigation into the allegations by the appropriate authorities and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with Peng – privately – to discuss her situation. We continue to hold firm on our position and our thoughts remain with her.”

After Peng Shuai‘s allegations, the Chinese government tried to censor every associated news and social media post. After making the accusations, Shuai reversed her statements back in 2021 by saying, “I have never spoken or written about anyone sexually assaulting me.”

WTA had said that the season-ending WTA Finals will be held in Shenzhen, China, in 2023, now Simon has clarified, “I don’t 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.

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