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The return of the WTA tournament to China in 2023 will depend on a resolution to the Peng Shuai issue, with the women’s game’s governing body telling Reuters it still has not met with China’s former No.1 doubles player.
Peng had accused former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault in 2021 in a post on social media that was soon removed from the country’s internet. He later denied having made the allegations.
Peng’s post sparked international outcry over her safety and led the WTA to suspend a tournament in China – a decision expected to cost the women’s tour hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasts and sponsorships.
The provisional 2023 tournament calendar released late last year listed the WTA’s schedule through September, but there was no clarity on which events would take place in China.
“There is no change in the WTA’s position on the return to China and we have only confirmed the 2023 calendar until the US Open,” the WTA said in a statement.
“Returning to the region will require a resolution of Peng’s situation when she took the brave step of going public with allegations that she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government official.
“As we will do with players around the world, we are asking for a formal investigation into the allegations by the appropriate authorities and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with Peng – in person – to discuss his situation.”
The WTA said it has received confirmation that Peng is safe and sound but has yet to meet with him personally.
“We continue to hold our position and our thoughts remain with Peng,” the statement added. “The WTA continues to work towards a resolution.
“While we have always indicated that we hope to be able to operate WTA events again in the region, we will not compromise our founding principles in order to do so.”
In July last year, the ATP men’s governing body canceled an event in China due to the country’s Covid-19 crisis.
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