“We are speaking out so justice can be done” WTA releases statement on the Peng Shuai case
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Steve Simon, CEO of WTA and Peng Shuai
Former Doubles World No. 1 and 2-time Grand Slam champion Peng Shuai recently came forward amidst the #MeToo movement wave and revealed how she had been sexually assaulted by Zhang Gaoli, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s top decision-making body.
Peng came forward on her Weibo social media account on 2 November and revealed the details of her relationship with Gaoli but the post was deleted in less than an hour. In the post, Peng made the accusation of being in a non-consensual relationship with Gaoli 10 years ago. The player also did say that she has no evidence to prove her case.
Peng was the first Chinese player to reach the summit of the rankings after she won the Doubles title at Wimbledon in 2013 and then at the French Open in 2014. She also finished as the runner-up at the 2017 Australian Open. Showing support to Peng, Steve Simon, the chairman and CEO of WTA issued a strong statement promising a full investigation into the matter.
“The recent events in China concerning a WTA player, Peng Shuai, are of deep concern. As an organization dedicated to women, we remain committed to the principles we were founded on – equality, opportunity and respect. Peng Shuai, and all women, deserve to be heard, not censored. Her accusation about the conduct of a former Chinese leader involving a sexual assault must be treated with the utmost seriousness.
“In all societies, the behaviour she alleges that took place needs to be investigated, not condoned or ignored. We commend Peng Shuai for her remarkable courage and strength in coming forward. Women around the world are finding their voices so injustices can be corrected.
“We expect this issue to be handled properly, meaning the allegations must be investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship. Our absolute and unwavering priority is the health and safety of our players. We are speaking out so justice can be done,” read the statement issued by Simon.
Peng Shuai has not played in 2021
Simon had further strong words with the policy of China’s censorship and showed full support to Peng in order to fight against Zhang. “Obviously she’s displayed great tremendous courage going public and now we want to make sure we’re moving forward to a place where a full and transparent investigation is conducted,” said Simon.
“Anything else, I think, is an affront to not only our players but to all women. If at the end of the day we don’t see the appropriate results from this, we would be prepared to take a step and not operate our business in China if that’s what it came to. I think everybody fully understands what’s at stake here on many different fronts as we are going through it.
” I think we’re certainly, from players to board to the council, fully united that the only acceptable approach is that of doing what is right,” added Simon hinting towards cancelling all 11 WTA tournaments including the WTA Finals which is scheduled in Shenzhen, had it not been for the Pandemic which forced this year’s tournament to be played in Mexico.
Peng last appeared on the WTA Tour at the 2020 Qatar Total Open in February and since then has not played in any competitive match. The 35-year old has also not made any communication since 11th November when she was last seen active on her Weibo account and WTA and others are now trying to reach her.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)