Women’s Tennis Association has just announced that it will immediately suspend all tennis tournaments in China as concerns grow for the safety and wellbeing of Peng Shuai

All events in China and Hong Kong will be immediately suspended amid concern for Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai.

WTA chairman Steve Simon said the decision was made on Thursday after repeated attempts to contact the former world No.1 doubles player.

“When on November 2, 2021, Peng Shuai posted an allegation of sexual assault against a top Chinese government official, the Women’s Tennis Association recognised that Peng Shuai’s message had to be listened to and taken seriously,” Simon said on the WTA website.

“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. 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.

“Since then, Peng’s message has been removed from the internet and discussion of this serious issue has been censored in China.”

Simon said the decision was supported by the WTA Board of Directors and he was “concerned” for the safety of players and staff if WTA events were held in China.

”The WTA will do everything possible to protect its players. As we do so, I hope leaders around the world will continue to speak out so justice can be done for Peng, and all women, no matter the financial ramifications,” Simon said.

Boycott the olympics?

This follows Human Rights Watch accusing the International Olympic Committee of being complicit in China’s rights abuses, ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.

Peng disappeared for nearly three weeks after alleging on social media that China’s former Vice-Premier had sexually assaulted her.

Sophie Richardson is the China Director of the Human Rights Watch and says there is something bigger at play in the region.