National tennis federations hailed the leadership of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in representing and protecting players’ rights after its decision to suspend tournaments in China over the treatment of former doubles world number one Peng Shuai.
Peng was unseen in public for nearly three weeks after she posted a message on social media in November accusing China’s former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her into sex, with her whereabouts becoming a matter of international concern.
Neither Zhang, who retired in 2018, nor the government have commented on Peng’s accusation and the topic has been blocked on China’s heavily censored internet.
The WTA on Thursday suspended tournaments in China over the treatment of Peng. Beijing took umbrage and though they did not directly mention the WTA, they opposed the “politicization of sports”.
The WTA’s decision, which could cost the women’s organisation hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship, was applauded by the tennis fraternity.
Tennis Canada said it had taken a clear stance on the issue due to deep concerns for Peng’s health and security.
“We feel very responsible for the many young women that travel the world to compete and it’s essential we do everything for them to be safe, otherwise our players and our sport is at risk,” a Tennis Canada spokesperson told Reuters.
The spokesperson added that the federation respected the leadership shown by the WTA.
The Italian Tennis Federation said it fully backed the WTA’s stance over the Peng situation, a statement echoed by Tennis New Zealand, which added it would work with the organisation to provide any support required.
