Peng Shuai: WTA announces immediate suspension of tournaments in China amid concern for tennis player

In an announcement launched Wednesday, Simon mentioned the choice was based mostly on the shortage of transparency by Chinese officers following tennis player Peng Shuai's allegation of sexual assault towards a prime Chinese authorities official.

Following the accusation, Peng disappeared from public view, prompting a number of fellow tennis gamers to specific fear on social media, utilizing the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai.On November 21, the International Olympic Committee mentioned in an announcement that its president, Thomas Bach, had a 30-minute video name with three-time Olympian Peng, joined by a Chinese sports activities official and an IOC official.The assertion mentioned that, throughout the name, Peng gave the impression to be "doing fine" and was "relaxed," saying she "would like to have her privacy respected." The IOC didn't clarify how the video name with Peng was organized and has not made the video publicly out there.Longtime IOC member Dick Pound mentioned the "unanimous conclusion" by these on a name with Peng is that she is ok.But the European Union on Tuesday mentioned it desires China to launch "verifiable proof" that Peng is protected and to conduct an intensive and clear investigation into her sexual assault allegations. Simon mentioned the WTA acknowledged when Peng launched her assertion in November that her "message had to be listened to and taken seriously. The players of the WTA, not to mention women around the world, deserve nothing less.""From that moment forward, Peng Shuai demonstrated the importance of speaking out, particularly when it comes to sexual assault, and especially when powerful people are involved," Simon mentioned. "As Peng said in her post, 'even if it is like an egg hitting a rock, or if I am like a moth drawn to the flame, inviting self-destruction, I will tell the truth about you.' She knew the dangers she would face, yet she went public anyway. I admire her strength and courage."In the assertion, Simon goes on to elucidate he has "serious doubts that she is free, safe, and not subject to censorship, coercion, and intimidation.""The WTA has been clear on what is needed here, and we repeat our call for a full and transparent investigation -- without censorship -- into Peng Shuai's sexual assault accusation," he mentioned."None of this is acceptable nor can it become acceptable. 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. I will not and cannot let that happen to the WTA and its players."Chinese authorities haven't acknowledged Peng's allegations towards Zhang -- who has light from public life since his retirement in 2018 -- and there's no indication an investigation is underway. It stays unclear if Peng has reported her allegations to the police.Late final month, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that the federal government hoped "malicious speculation" relating to Peng's well-being and whereabouts would cease, including that her case shouldn't be politicized.On Wednesday, International Tennis Hall of Famer Billie Jean King applauded the WTA resolution "for taking a strong stand on defending human rights in China and around the world.""The WTA has chosen to be on the right side of history in defending the rights of our players," Jean mentioned in an announcement, including: "This is yet another reason why women's tennis is the leader in women's sports."There have been no WTA occasions in China for the previous two years as a result of of the coronavirus pandemic.The WTA has but to launch the 2023 occasion calendar, however on common the skilled tennis tour has held about 10 tournaments annually in China, together with the season-ending WTA Finals."I have been gratified by the massive amount of international support the WTA has received for its position on this matter," Simon mentioned. "To additional defend Peng and lots of different ladies all through the world, it's more pressing than ever for individuals to talk out. The WTA will do all the things attainable to guard its gamers. As we accomplish that, I hope leaders all over the world will proceed to talk out so justice will be accomplished for Peng, and all ladies, regardless of the monetary ramifications."I very much regret it has come to this point. The tennis communities in China and Hong Kong are full of great people with whom we have worked for many years. They should be proud of their achievements, hospitality, and success. However, unless China takes the steps we have asked for, we cannot put our players and staff at risk by holding events in China. China's leaders have left the WTA with no choice. I remain hopeful that our pleas will be heard and the Chinese authorities will take steps to legitimately address this issue."