Men’s tennis tour raises concerns over Peng Shuai but does not match WTA metrics
Men’s tennis tour raises concerns over Peng Shuai but does not match WTA metrics
The ATP men’s tennis tour has expressed concern for Peng Shuai, but has not joined his WTA women’s counterpart in suspending tournaments in China.
The ATP did not join the WTA in canceling its tennis tournaments in China. © IMAGO / Baering
WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon has taken a strong stand against the tour’s biggest market since former world number one doubles Peng made a sexual assault allegation against a senior Chinese official on social networks last month which was quickly withdrawn.
WTA were unable to obtain proof that Peng is free from censorship and coercion, as Simon’s call for the 35-year-old’s claim to be investigated thorough seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
Concerns over Peng’s well-being have sparked a rare display of unity in tennis, but so far it doesn’t look set to extend to a sport-wide boycott of China.
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ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi said: “The situation involving Peng Shuai continues to raise serious concerns within and beyond our sport. The response to these concerns has so far been insufficient.”
“We again urge an open direct line of communication between the player and the WTA in order to establish a clearer picture of her situation.”
The International Tennis Federation, which organizes events at the lower levels of the sport, also made no mention of its withdrawal from the country in its statement, saying: “The International Tennis Federation, as the governing body of tennis, supports all rights of women. “
“Our primary concern remains the welfare of Peng Shuai. Peng’s allegations must be addressed. We will continue to support all efforts to that end, both publicly and behind the scenes.”
Peng Shuai at the Australian Open in January 2020 © IMAGO / Kyodo News
No tournament has been played in China for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, and none are scheduled for the first part of 2022, meaning that governing bodies can afford to take a wait-and-see approach to the moment.
There is more urgency for the International Olympic Committee with the Winter Olympics in Beijing just two months away and discussions of a growing boycott.
The IOC revealed on Thursday that it had held a second video call with Peng, and he made a much stronger statement than last month’s that was widely derided, while re-emphasizing his faith in diplomacy.
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The organization said in a statement, “We share the same concern with many other people and organizations regarding the well-being and safety of Peng Shuai.”
“That’s why, just yesterday, an IOC team organized another video call with her. We offered her wide support, will keep in regular contact with her and have already arranged a personal meeting in January. “
“We use ‘quiet diplomacy’ which, given the circumstances and based on the experience of governments and other organizations, is indicated as the most promising way to proceed effectively in such humanitarian matters. “
Novak Djokovic supported the suspension, saying, “I fully support the position of the WTA as we do not have enough information about Peng Shuai and his well-being, and his health is of the utmost importance to the community. tennis.”
“We don’t have enough information, and I think that’s a very bold and very courageous position for the WTA.”
Human rights charity Amnesty International also offered its support and urged the international community to keep the pressure on China.