The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has advised that it will not cancel any tournaments in China over concerns for player Peng Shuai, explaining that it will not follow the stance of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).
Facing calls to join the WTA in suspending all tournaments in China over the government’s refusal to provide assurances of Peng’s wellbeing, the ITF - the governing body of men's professional tennis - has said it will not cancel any tournaments saying it does not want to “punish 1.4 billion people”.
Peng, a former doubles world No 1 and three-time Olympian, was not seen for several weeks after she posted an essay to social media accusing the China’s former Vice-Premier, Zhang Gaoli, of sexually assaulting her.
After Chinese authorities failed to initiate an investigation or provide assurances of her wellbeing which satisfied the WTA, the organisation announced it was suspending all tournaments in China.
On Sunday, ITF President, David Haggerty, told BBC Sport the allegations needed to be looked into and they would continue to work on that resolution, but they would not be following the WTA.
Haggerty advised “you have to remember that the ITF is the governing body of the sport worldwide, and one of the things that we are responsible for is grassroots development.
“We don’t want to punish a billion people, so we will continue to run our junior events in the country and our senior events that are there for the time being.”
Haggerty’s comments added to a short statement released last week by the ITF after a board meeting.
This explained “the International Tennis Federation, as the governing body of tennis, stands in support of all women’s rights.
“Our primary concern remains Peng Shuai’s wellbeing. The allegations Peng made must be addressed. We will continue to support all efforts being made to that end, both publicly and behind the scenes.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says it held another video call with Peng at the end of last week, offering her wide-ranging support, advising it “will stay in regular touch with her, and have already agreed on a personal meeting in January.”
The IOC said Peng "appeared to be safe and well" during a call last month and said this was "reconfirmed" during its most recent contact.
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.
WTA Chief Executive, Steve Simon said the move to put a halt to the tour's play in China, including Hong Kong, came with the backing of the WTA Board of Directors, players, tournaments and sponsors.
In response to the WTA’s move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at the end of last week that China "opposes the politicisation of sports".
In an editorial, the Global Times newspaper, published by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, said the WTA was betraying the Olympic spirit and bringing politics into tennis.
The newspaper stated "some forces in the West are instigating a boycott against the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics," it added, referring to the February event which some rights groups want boycotted over China's human rights record.
Image: the Zhuhai Hengqin International Tennis Centre hsoting its first WTA event in 2015. Credit: Huafa Sports Operation and Management Co Ltd.
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Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
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