WTA's decision to suspend events in China is path-breaking
3 years ago

WTA's decision to suspend events in China is path-breaking

Hindustan Times  

When the legendary Billie Jean King declared that the WTA Tour was “on the right side of history”, she referred to the history not merely of men’s or women’s tennis, but the entire network of professionalised sport. The WTA’s decision to suspend its Tour events in China due to the refusal by the Chinese establishment to respond to tennis pro Peng Shuai’s allegations of sexual assault by former Chinese vice-premier and IOC member Zhang Gaoli is a deal-breaker in more ways than can be grasped today. Announcing the suspension of events in China, which Chairman & CEO Steve Simon said, had the support of its board of directors, players and sponsors, WTA said, “While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts that she is free, safe and not subject to censorship, coercion and intimidation.” To allow this—the suppression of Peng’s words and voice and the “sweep of the allegations of sexual assault under the rug” by “powerful people”—would in the eyes of the WTA be an “immense setback” to its core principles. Before the pandemic struck in 2020, China was the WTA tour’s second largest host nation, staging nine events to the USA’s eleven across its four prize-money slots in 2019. The cost of suspending those—which include two WTA1000 events and the WTA Tour finals in Shenzen—was calculated at being between $30m in prize money and around $100m from other earnings.

China Sport Events Money Prize Tour Decision Prize Money Peng Peng Shuai Shenzen Read Wta Suspend Wta Suspend Read Wta  events  money  sport  peng  decision  pathbreaking  prize  tour  wtas  tennis  china  read  wta  suspend

History of this topic

Setting a gold standard
1 month, 1 week ago

Setting a gold standard

China Daily  

China's Zheng Qinwen winds up a return shot to Coco Gauff of the United States during the singles championship match of the WTA Finals at the King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. As inconsolable as she looked when receiving the runner-up plate at the King Saud University Indoor Arena, Zheng has every reason to be …

Setting a gold standard
1 month, 1 week ago

Setting a gold standard

China Daily  

China's Zheng Qinwen winds up a return shot to Coco Gauff of the United States during the singles championship match of the WTA Finals at the King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. As inconsolable as she looked when receiving the runner-up plate at the King Saud University Indoor Arena, Zheng has every reason to be …

Coco Gauff earns record £3.7m after winning WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Coco Gauff earns record £3.7m after winning WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia

The Telegraph  

Coco Gauff earned the biggest pay cheque in the history of women’s tennis, pocketing £3.7 million when she defeated Qinwen Zheng to claim the first WTA Finals event to be staged in Riyadh. “She just gets on with it.” With six match points in her pocket, Gauff missed a couple of chances before wrapping up her 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 victory …

Zheng Qinwen’s Olympic gold: A watershed moment for tennis and China
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Zheng Qinwen’s Olympic gold: A watershed moment for tennis and China

New York Times  

PARIS — It was only a matter of time for Chinese tennis, wasn’t it? In the biggest win on a tennis court for the world’s most populous country since the glory days of Li Na, Zheng Qinwen won the gold medal for China at Roland Garros on Saturday afternoon. Zheng, a 21-year-old rising star, took advantage of an erratic performance …

How the WTA Finals became the Fyre Festival of tennis tournaments
1 year, 1 month ago

How the WTA Finals became the Fyre Festival of tennis tournaments

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image …

Tennis’ top women say the sport is broken. This is why
1 year, 1 month ago

Tennis’ top women say the sport is broken. This is why

New York Times  

For the better part of a decade, Tatjana Maria, the veteran German player, has been cramming into cramped hotel rooms with her husband/coach and children, or using her own money to pay for larger ones as she traveled the world with her family so she could be a full-time mom and professional tennis player. “These questions have been brewing for …

WTA facing rebellion from numerous top players over pay and conditions on women’s tour
1 year, 1 month ago

WTA facing rebellion from numerous top players over pay and conditions on women’s tour

New York Times  

If you’d like to follow our new tennis coverage, please Aryna Sabalenka had had enough. Paula Wolecka, a spokesperson for Iga Swiatek, the world No 2, and four-time Grand Slam champion, confirmed Monday that Swiatek had sent her own letter to the WTA leadership, and was part of a “united front here in wishing for a real change.” Swiatek speaks …

The WTA Finals – so much possibility, so many challenges
1 year, 1 month ago

The WTA Finals – so much possibility, so many challenges

New York Times  

If you’d like to follow our new tennis coverage, please At some point the WTA Finals will once again become a fully-formed, signature stop on the professional women’s tennis tour. The champions might even become a bit less random, reverting to the days when Serena Williams was winning this event every year, giving the finals’ reputation additional heft. Though a …

China’s Wang Xiyu claims maiden WTA title in Guangzhou after defeating Magda Linette in final
1 year, 3 months ago

China’s Wang Xiyu claims maiden WTA title in Guangzhou after defeating Magda Linette in final

The Hindu  

China’s Wang Xiyu captured her maiden WTA Tour title on Saturday as the world number 88 powered past Magda Linette 6-0, 6-2 in the final of the Guangzhou Open, the first elite women’s tournament in the Asian nation since 2019. A dream becomes reality 🏆⭐️ Xiyu Wang captures her first-ever Hologic WTA Tour title on home soil! I think there’s …

Four years later, professional tennis resumes in China after WTA ends Peng Shuai boycott
1 year, 3 months ago

Four years later, professional tennis resumes in China after WTA ends Peng Shuai boycott

Associated Press  

A four-year absence of elite women’s tennis in China is set to end with the Women’s Tennis Association holding seven tournaments in the next six weeks as part of the tour’s Asian swing. After tournaments in China were cancelled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in 2020, the WTA suspended events in the country in December 2021 over concerns about Grand …

WTA must keep Peng Shuai case in public eye on China return, says human rights advocate
1 year, 3 months ago

WTA must keep Peng Shuai case in public eye on China return, says human rights advocate

The Hindu  

Elite women’s tennis returns to China for the first time in four years at Guangzhou next week after the WTA ended a boycott over concerns about Peng Shuai, but her wellbeing should remain the focus, a senior human rights advocate told Reuters on Friday. The women’s tour had been widely praised for suspending its tournaments in the Asian nation after …

WTA Finals 2023 to be held in Mexico's Cancun, Saudi Arabia misses out
1 year, 3 months ago

WTA Finals 2023 to be held in Mexico's Cancun, Saudi Arabia misses out

Firstpost  

Recent reports had said Saudi Arabia was in pole position to land the WTA Finals, which sparked criticism at the US Open from US legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert among others. Cancun will host the WTA Finals October 29-November 5, the WTA announcing Thursday the Mexican resort would stage the season ending tournament after reports that Saudi Arabia was …

Revitalized Zheng ready to resume upswing
1 year, 8 months ago

Revitalized Zheng ready to resume upswing

China Daily  

China's Zheng Qinwen returns to Alycia Parks during her first-round victory in Stuttgart on Tuesday. MATHIAS SCHULZ/FOR CHINA DAILY Rising star shakes off setbacks, hails WTA's China return as additional boost With her body healthy again and home tournaments resuming, China's top women's ace Zheng Qinwen is preparing for her latest shot at world No 1 Iga Swiatek with renewed …

WTA ending Peng Shuai-inspired China boycott shows country is key to women's tennis on and off court
1 year, 8 months ago

WTA ending Peng Shuai-inspired China boycott shows country is key to women's tennis on and off court

Firstpost  

The WTA’s decision this week to return to China, despite unresolved questions around the safety of player Peng Shuai, betrays the financial and strategic importance of the country to the tennis organisation, analysts and former players say. Explained: Reasons behind women’s tennis ending China boycott over Peng Shuai But on Thursday it backed down, saying it had concluded “we will …

Women’s tennis tour ends Peng Shuai-inspired China boycott
1 year, 8 months ago

Women’s tennis tour ends Peng Shuai-inspired China boycott

Associated Press  

The women’s professional tennis tour will bring its events back to China later this year, announcing on Thursday the end of a boycott instituted in late 2021 over concerns about the safety of former player Peng Shuai after she accused a high-ranking government official there of sexual assault. WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said in an interview with The …

Women's tennis tour ends Peng Shuai-inspired China boycott
1 year, 8 months ago

Women's tennis tour ends Peng Shuai-inspired China boycott

The Hindu  

The women’s professional tennis tour will bring its events back to China later this year, announcing on April 13 the end of a boycott instituted in late 2021 over concerns about the safety of former player Peng Shuai after she accused a high-ranking government official there of sexual assault. WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said in an interview with …

Explained: Why is women’s tennis China boycott over Peng Shuai ending
1 year, 8 months ago

Explained: Why is women’s tennis China boycott over Peng Shuai ending

The Hindu  

The women’s professional tennis tour is ending its suspension of tournaments in China that was initiated in late 2021 over concerns about Grand Slam doubles champion Peng Shuai’s well-being. FILE PHOTO: Supporters of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai hold up T-shirts ahead of the women’s final at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Jan. 29, 2022. | Photo Credit: AP …

Why is women’s tennis China boycott over Peng Shuai ending?
1 year, 8 months ago

Why is women’s tennis China boycott over Peng Shuai ending?

Associated Press  

The women’s professional tennis tour is ending its suspension of tournaments in China that was initiated in late 2021 over concerns about Grand Slam doubles champion Peng Shuai’s well-being. The WTA announced Thursday that it will return to competition in China this season, even though two of its key requests were never met: a chance to meet with Peng, and …

WTA to resume tournaments in China following boycott over Peng Shuai’s allegation
1 year, 8 months ago

WTA to resume tournaments in China following boycott over Peng Shuai’s allegation

New York Times  

The Women’s Tennis Association will resume tournaments in China in September after 16 months of suspended competitions following the “censorship” of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai’s sexual assault allegation against a former government official, the WTA announced Thursday. The WTA said the decision to suspend events in China, including Hong Kong, “received much praise for our principled stand and believe …

WTA must stand firm on Peng and China, says human rights advocate
1 year, 8 months ago

WTA must stand firm on Peng and China, says human rights advocate

The Hindu  

The WTA should stick to its principles and not resume playing tournaments in China until the Peng Shuai issue has been resolved despite the financial impact of its stand, a senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch has urged. Reversing its decision without China meeting its request for a meeting with Peng would open the WTA up to accusations of …

WTA set to announce long-awaited decision on return to China
1 year, 8 months ago

WTA set to announce long-awaited decision on return to China

The Hindu  

The WTA Tour’s long-awaited decision on its return to China is “forthcoming” and the tournament schedule for the rest of the year is due in the coming weeks, the governing body of women’s tennis told Reuters on Friday. Peng’s post caused an international outcry over her safety and led the WTA to suspend tournaments in China - a decision expected …

Women’s tennis tour, WTA, in commercial partnership with CVC
1 year, 9 months ago

Women’s tennis tour, WTA, in commercial partnership with CVC

Associated Press  

The women’s professional tennis tour launched a commercial enterprise with CVC Capital Partners on Tuesday to increase revenues for the sport, with the investment manager contributing $150 million for a 20% stake in what will be known as WTA Ventures LLC. “This arrangement is certainly going to provide for us to create more investment opportunity to our players and our …

WTA says return to China will require resolution to Peng Shuai case
1 year, 11 months ago

WTA says return to China will require resolution to Peng Shuai case

The Hindu  

The return of WTA tournaments to China in 2023 will hinge on a resolution to the Peng Shuai issue, with the governing body of the women’s game telling Reuters on Wednesday it had still not met the Chinese former doubles world number one personally. A provisional 2023 tournament calendar released late last year listed the WTA’s schedule up to September, …

AP Interview: Tennis tour CEO still wants Peng Shuai inquiry
2 years, 1 month ago

AP Interview: Tennis tour CEO still wants Peng Shuai inquiry

Associated Press  

FORT WORTH, Texas — The man in charge of women’s professional tennis, Steve Simon, has been sitting close enough to the action at the season-ending WTA Finals this week — from a seat in front of the front row, as courtside as can be — that a player easily could wander over for a mid-match chat. “Everyone’s looking for stability,” …

WTA Finals moved to Fort Worth, Texas, 'due' to return to China in 2023
2 years, 3 months ago

WTA Finals moved to Fort Worth, Texas, 'due' to return to China in 2023

Firstpost  

A WTA spokeswoman said its tournaments in China remain suspended for 2022 but that events could return next year. New York: The season-ending WTA Finals will take place in Texas next month and are due to return to China in 2023, the WTA said Tuesday. In a statement, the WTA said this year’s championships would take place in Fort Worth …

China's Zheng reaches first WTA 1000 quarterfinals in Toronto
2 years, 4 months ago

China's Zheng reaches first WTA 1000 quarterfinals in Toronto

China Daily  

Zheng Qinwen of China celebrates after winning her game against Bianca Andreescu of Canada during the National Bank Open, part of the Hologic WTA Tour, at Sobeys Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. TORONTO - China's rising star Zheng Qinwen reached her first WTA 1000 quarterfinals after beating local favorite Bianca Andreescu 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 at the …

ATP to Take Call on 2022 China Events Within a Month, Says Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi
2 years, 6 months ago

ATP to Take Call on 2022 China Events Within a Month, Says Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi

News 18  

The prospects of the Shanghai Masters and three other men’s tournaments taking place in China this year look bleak unless there is a rapid improvement in the COVID-19 situation in the country, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has told Reuters. ”We haven’t made a decision but we expect to make a decision in the coming month or so.” The French Open …

Garbine Muguruza fears 'real truth' about Peng Shuai may never be known
2 years, 11 months ago

Garbine Muguruza fears 'real truth' about Peng Shuai may never be known

Firstpost  

There remain doubts about how free Peng really is and having made global headlines for weeks, the outcry about her plight has since died down Melbourne: World number three Garbine Muguruza said Saturday that the “real truth” about what happened to Peng Shuai may never be known after the tennis star accused a senior Chinese politician of sexual assault. However, …

At appearance in China, tennis star Peng Shuai denies saying she was sexually assaulted
3 years ago

At appearance in China, tennis star Peng Shuai denies saying she was sexually assaulted

LA Times  

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai reacts to a shot during her first-round match at the Australian Open in January 2020. Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has denied saying she was sexually assaulted by a former top Communist Party official, despite a November social media post attributed to her that accused him of forcing her into sex. Peng dropped out of …

Peng Shuai: Chinese tennis star denies making sexual assault allegation against Zhang Gaoli, but WTA concerns persist
3 years ago

Peng Shuai: Chinese tennis star denies making sexual assault allegation against Zhang Gaoli, but WTA concerns persist

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has denied making sexual assault allegations against a retired Communist Party leader, following more than a month of growing concern about her safety and whereabouts that led to the Women’s Tennis Association pulling out of China. In Sunday’s interview, Peng expressed her appreciation toward the IOC, saying she feels “very grateful” …

No World Tennis Tour Events in China in 2022, Says ITF Source
3 years ago

No World Tennis Tour Events in China in 2022, Says ITF Source

News 18  

There will be no World Tennis Tour events held in China in 2022, an International Tennis Federation source confirmed to Reuters on Thursday. The ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour offers approximately 500 tournaments across 65 countries offering prize money from $15,000 to $100,000. “No men’s or women’s ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments are scheduled to be played in China in …

No World Tennis Tour events in China in 2022, says ITF source
3 years ago

No World Tennis Tour events in China in 2022, says ITF source

The Hindu  

There will be no World Tennis Tour events held in China in 2022, an International Tennis Federation source confirmed to Reuters on Thursday. RELATED| World Tennis Tour events are professional tournaments below the elite level. The ITF Women's World Tennis Tour offers approximately 500 tournaments across 65 countries offering prize money from $15,000 to $100,000. "No men’s or women’s ITF …

No plans to suspend events in China over Peng Shuai, says ITF chief
3 years ago

No plans to suspend events in China over Peng Shuai, says ITF chief

The Hindu  

The president of the International Tennis Federation told the BBC that it did not have plans to suspend events in China amid widespread concern for player Peng Shuai. The former doubles world number one made a sexual assault accusation against former Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli then disappeared from public view last month, prompting the Women's Tennis Association to suspend its …

No Plans to Suspend Events in China over Peng Shuai, Says ITF Chief
3 years ago

No Plans to Suspend Events in China over Peng Shuai, Says ITF Chief

News 18  

The president of the International Tennis Federation told the BBC that it did not have plans to suspend events in China amid widespread concern for player Peng Shuai. The former doubles world number one made a sexual assault accusation against former Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli then disappeared from public view last month, prompting the Women’s Tennis Association to suspend its …

ATP tight-lipped over WTA move on China tournaments
3 years ago

ATP tight-lipped over WTA move on China tournaments

The Hindu  

The governing body of men's tennis on Thursday decided for now against following the Women's Tennis Association's lead in suspending tournaments in China over the treatment of former doubles world number one Peng Shuai. "The situation involving Peng Shuai continues to raise serious concerns within and beyond our sport," said ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi. When asked by Reuters if the …

Peng Shuai: Beijing is angry at the WTA for pulling out of China. But it can’t let Chinese people know about it
3 years ago

Peng Shuai: Beijing is angry at the WTA for pulling out of China. But it can’t let Chinese people know about it

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — The women’s professional tennis tour just called it quits on China. In contrast to the blanket silence at home, China’s government controlled-media lashed out at the Women’s Tennis Association on Twitter – a platform blocked in China – accusing the organization of “putting on an exaggerated show,” and “supporting the West’s attack on Chinese system.” The …

Peng Shuai: China opposes ‘politicisation’ of sports
3 years ago

Peng Shuai: China opposes ‘politicisation’ of sports

Hindustan Times  

China said on Thursday that politics should be kept out of sports after the Women’s Tennis Association suspended tournaments in the country over concerns for Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai’s safety. The WTA, the global governing body for women’s professional tennis, on Wednesday announced the “immediate suspension of all tournaments in China”, including in Hong Kong, citing concerns about the …

WTA to AP: Loss of China events over Peng could go past ’22
3 years ago

WTA to AP: Loss of China events over Peng could go past ’22

Associated Press  

The suspension of all WTA tournaments in China because of concerns about the safety of Peng Shuai, a Grand Slam doubles champion who accused a former government official there of sexual assault, could result in cancellations of those events beyond 2022, the head of the women’s professional tennis tour told The Associated Press on Wednesday. I mean, those are all …

WTA suspends play in China after nation failed to give clarity on well being of Peng Shuai
3 years ago

WTA suspends play in China after nation failed to give clarity on well being of Peng Shuai

India TV News  

Highlights WTA has asserted that Peng has not been not allowed to communicate freely The body also added that Peng has been pressured to contradict sexual assault allegation Chinese Tennis Association expressed its firm opposition to WTA's 'unilateral' decision China on Thursday criticised the WTA's decision to suspend all its tournaments in the country due to concerns surrounding the whereabouts …

WTA suspends tournaments in China over concern about Peng Shuai
3 years ago

WTA suspends tournaments in China over concern about Peng Shuai

NPR  

WTA suspends tournaments in China over concern about Peng Shuai NOEL KING, HOST: The Women's Tennis Association is suspending tournaments in China and Hong Kong over concerns about the tennis star Peng Shuai. TOM GOLDMAN, BYLINE: Well, even though Peng Shuai reappeared after her disappearance and was shown in photos and videos, Steve Simon and her other supporters said they …

Tennis stars hail WTA stand against China over Peng Shuai
3 years ago

Tennis stars hail WTA stand against China over Peng Shuai

Al Jazeera  

Some of the biggest names in the sport support tennis body’s move to suspend its tournaments in China as IOC criticised for its handling of the case. The Women’s Tennis Association’s made the decision over what its chairman Steve Simon called enduring “serious doubts” about the safety of Peng. Simon reiterated his calls for China to conduct “a full and …

WTA suspends tournaments in China over Peng Shuai controversy
3 years ago

WTA suspends tournaments in China over Peng Shuai controversy

The Hindu  

The Women's Tennis Association said on Wednesday it has decided to suspend tournaments in China due to concerns over the safety of former doubles world number one Peng Shuai. "I don't see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of …

Women's Tennis Association suspends tournaments in China over concern about Peng Shuai
3 years ago

Women's Tennis Association suspends tournaments in China over concern about Peng Shuai

NPR  

Women's Tennis Association suspends tournaments in China over concern about Peng Shuai Enlarge this image toggle caption Michael Owens/AP Michael Owens/AP The Women's Tennis Association is suspending all tournaments in China, including Hong Kong, WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said in a statement released Wednesday. The decision from the WTA comes after Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai alleged that …

WTA suspends tournaments in China after ‘censorship’ of Peng Shuai’s sexual assault allegation
3 years ago

WTA suspends tournaments in China after ‘censorship’ of Peng Shuai’s sexual assault allegation

New York Times  

The WTA has suspended all tournaments in China, including Hong Kong, following the "censorship" of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai's sexual assault allegation against a former government official, the association announced on Wednesday. "In good conscience, I don't see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly …

Women’s tennis suspends all China tournaments over Peng concerns
3 years ago

Women’s tennis suspends all China tournaments over Peng concerns

Al Jazeera  

The Women’s Tennis Association said it would suspend with immediate effect all of its tournaments in China, including Hong Kong. The Women’s Tennis Association will suspend all of its tournaments in China, saying it was doing so as the country’s leadership has failed to quell concerns that tennis star Peng Shuai is free and safe after she publicly accused a …

WTA says Peng Shuai call with Olympic chief is not enough
3 years, 1 month ago

WTA says Peng Shuai call with Olympic chief is not enough

The Hindu  

Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai's video call with the president of the International Olympic Committee does not address or alleviate the Women's Tennis Association's concern about her well-being, the WTA said on Monday. The whereabouts of former doubles world number one Peng have been a matter of international concern for nearly three weeks after she alleged that a former senior …

Peng Shuai reappears in Beijing, WTA not reassured
3 years, 1 month ago

Peng Shuai reappears in Beijing, WTA not reassured

Hindustan Times  

Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, whose whereabouts have been a matter of international concern for weeks, attended a tennis tournament in Beijing on Sunday, according to official photos published by the tournament organised by China Open. Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai signs large-sized tennis balls at the opening ceremony of Fila Kids Junior Tennis Challenger Final in Beijing, China November …

Firstpost Explains: Everything we know about Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai's whereabouts
3 years, 1 month ago

Firstpost Explains: Everything we know about Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai's whereabouts

Firstpost  

The tennis star disappeared after she accused a former top government official of forcing her to have sex with him. She has not been seen publicly since Peng Shuai, the first Chinese tennis player to be ranked world No 1 in doubles by the Women’s Tennis Association, is at the centre of growing concern after the tennis sensation earlier this …

WTA still trying to make ‘direct contact’ with Peng
3 years, 1 month ago

WTA still trying to make ‘direct contact’ with Peng

The Hindu  

The Women’s Tennis Association is still trying to make “direct contact” with Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, who has not been seen or heard from publicly since she accused former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of coercing her into sex. Concern among the global tennis community and beyond has grown over Peng’s safety and whereabouts since her allegation, with the WTA calling …

Discover Related