AP Interview: Tennis tour CEO still wants Peng Shuai inquiry

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Everyone’s looking for stability,” WTA Tour Chairman and CEO Simon said during an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday at Dickies Arena, which has a one-year deal to host the tournament for the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams through next Monday, before giving way to the site's usual mix of monster trucks, rodeo shows, indoor lacrosse and concerts by acts such as George Strait and the Eagles. Simon does not know what will happen in 2023, promising a decision “no later than the end of the first quarter of next year.” “We hope that that’s where we’re going to be,” he said, “but, obviously, we have some issues to resolve.” He named two: Peng’s situation and lingering coronavirus restrictions. And what we’ve asked for is an investigation to understand what occurred, what didn’t occur, and then address it appropriately.” The placement of the WTA Finals in Fort Worth wasn’t announced until September — the scheduling that placed it right before the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Scotland next week drew some criticism — and there were thousands of empty seats during the first two days of competition. 1-ranked Iga Swiatek made note of that, telling the crowd after her victory Tuesday night: “Hopefully we’re going to see a full house soon.” HALEP’S SUSPENSION Simon said he’s spoken with Simona Halep, the two-time Grand Slam champion and former top-ranked player who was provisionally suspended 1 1/2 weeks ago after testing positive for a banned substance at the U.S. Open in August.