Getty Images
For the primary time since 2021, the Women’s Tennis Association will return to China later this 12 months. The WTA has been boycotting occasions in China since former No. 1 participant Peng Shuai accused China’s former vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, of sexual assault. The WTA introduced its resolution on Thursday and stated that, regardless of China not assembly its requests, it should return to the nation for tournaments in September.
“After 16 months of suspended tennis competitors in China and sustained efforts at attaining our authentic requests, the scenario has proven no signal of fixing,” the WTA stated in its announcement. “We have concluded we are going to by no means absolutely safe these targets, and it will likely be our gamers and tournaments who in the end will likely be paying a unprecedented worth for his or her sacrifices.
“For these causes, the WTA is lifting its suspension of the operation of tournaments within the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) and can resume tournaments in China this September.”
Shaui’s accusations of sexual assault have been by no means investigated, and Zhang didn’t obtain any self-discipline for his alleged actions. The WTA did say that Shaui was secure at her dwelling in Beijing, and it has been assured that WTA gamers and employees will likely be protected whereas working in China.
“We haven’t been capable of obtain the whole lot we set out for, however we’ve been in contact with folks near Peng and are assured she resides safely along with her household in Beijing,” the WTA stated. “We even have obtained assurances that WTA gamers and employees working in China will likely be secure and guarded whereas within the nation. The WTA takes this dedication critically and can maintain all events accountable.”
The WTA additionally stated that, by boycotting occasions in China for the final 16 months, it “forfeited our capacity to supply girls within the area with alternatives to advance professionally by tennis.”
This resolution comes only a few months after the WTA stated it might require a decision for Shuai’s case earlier than returning to China.
