Hologic WTA Tour Plans Return To China, Peng Shuai Situation Still A Concern

By Barry Janoff
April 13, 2023: Despite claiming that “we have not been able to achieve everything we set out for,” the Hologic WTA Tour said today is would lift its suspension of tournament operation in the People’s Republic of China and resume events in China this September.
In 2021, when Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai shared on social media her experience of being abused by a member of the Chinese government, and was subsequently removed from the public eye, the WTA suspended its schedule of events in China "out of concern for her safety and the safety of (our) players and staff."
“When we moved forward with this decision, we were not sure if others would join us,” WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon posted to the WTA Web site today. “We received much praise for our principled stand and believe we sent a powerful message to the world. But praise alone is insufficient to bring about change.
“After 16 months of suspended tennis competition in China and sustained efforts at achieving our original requests, the situation has shown no sign of changing. We have concluded we will never fully secure those goals, and it will be our players and tournaments who ultimately will be paying an extraordinary price for their sacrifices.”
Simon wrote that the Tour’s schedule in China would be revealed in the next few weeks as part of the Hologic WTA Tour’s 50th anniversary.
“With the suspension, we forfeited our ability to provide women in the region with opportunities to advance professionally through tennis."
Tournaments could begin in September and include the season-ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen, similar to 2019, prior to COVID-19 and then the Shuai situation leading to a series of cancellations.
“Through our time and commitment in China over the past 20 years, the WTA has made significant progress in creating a pathway and opportunity for women athletes to pursue tennis as a career and for tennis to become a focus of recreational activity in the country,” wrote Simon.
“With the suspension, we forfeited our ability to provide women in the region with opportunities to advance professionally through tennis and be role models for future generations.
“We have not been able to achieve everything we set out for, but we have been in touch with people close to Peng and are assured she is living safely with her family in Beijing.
“We also have received assurances that WTA players and staff operating in China will be safe and protected while in the country. The WTA takes this commitment seriously and will hold all parties responsible.”Photo: © IOC/Greg MartinIn December 2021, when the WTA said it would suspend events in China, the International Olympic Committee said it had conducted two video conference calls with Shuai, one by IOC president Thomas Bach (pictured), and that she was “safe and well.”
“We share the same concern as many other people and organizations about the well-being and safety of Peng Shuai,” the IOC posted to its Web site at the time. “This is why, just yesterday, an IOC team held another video call with her. We have offered her wide-ranging support, will stay in regular touch with her . . .“
Since then, Peng Shuai’s last reported public appearance was during the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022.
According to Simon, “While we do not regret our decision on the suspension, the WTA and its members feel that now is the time to return to our mission in China. We are hopeful that by returning more progress can be made.
“Peng cannot be forgotten through this process. It is important that our renewed engagement in China provides continued safety for Peng and all the women athletes who will benefit from our return to competition and the opportunities tennis provides.
“It is essential that women’s voices must be heard when speaking out. The WTA will continue to advocate for Peng and the advancement of women around the world.”
WTA Suspends China Tournaments, IOC Says Shuai ‘Safe’
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