Case Peng Shuai: The WTA collapses in the power struggle with China

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) will return to China in the fall with its tournaments.

Concerned about the safety of former double world number one Peng Shuai, the WTA had suspended all tournaments in China for 16 months. However, the return is canceled because China would have met the requirements. On the contrary: the WTA simply nodded.

WTA CEO Steve Simon admitted to “Sports Illustrated” that it was necessary to realize that the goals would never be achieved and that the players and tournaments would have to pay an extraordinary price. “While we do not regret our decision to cancel the tournament, our members have decided it is time to return to China,” he added. The WTA hopes that more progress can be made with the return. The return is mainly for financial reasons, China is a hugely important market for the WTA.

Peng’s well-being became a major issue in November 2021 after she made a statement on social media accusing former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault. She later retracted the allegation and the post was deleted. For weeks, nothing was heard from Peng.

In January, the WTA announced they had no doubts about Peng’s safety in Beijing, but had requested a private meeting with the now 37-year-old before returning to China. Now the WTA has lost this power struggle across the board.

In fact, the boycott had no effect whatsoever. Due to China’s isolation during the corona pandemic, no tournaments would have taken place there anyway. (nih/sda/apa/male)