All WTA events in China, including Hong Kong, have been suspended indefinitely, according to Women's Tennis Association (WTA) chairman and CEO Steve Simon. Simon said in a statement issued Wednesday that his decision was based on Chinese officials' lack of openness in the aftermath of tennis player Peng Shuai's sexual assault claim against a prominent Chinese government official.

Peng Shuai sexual assault row: WTA announces immediate suspension of all tournaments in China

China stated on Tuesday that the controversy surrounding Peng Shuai was being "maliciously" overblown, following the Chinese tennis star's sexual assault allegations against one of the country's most influential leaders Zhang Gaoli.

China makes first official statement on tennis star Peng Shuai, says case 'maliciously hyped up'

In another attempt to assure the world that Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai is safe, two new video clips emerged on the social media platform. Hu Xijin, whose Twitter bio says he is editor-in-chief of the Global Times, posted clips to push a narrative that the tennis player is fine.

Peng Shuai: China uses state media to push narrative she's fine, WTA not convinced

Stacey Allaster, the former-CEO of the Women`s Tennis Association (WTA) who negotiated millions of dollars of rights deals with China, told Reuters on Monday the tennis world has put Peng Shuai`s health and safety ahead of business.

Chinese star Peng Shuai's safety comes ahead of business, assures former WTA CEO Stacey Allaster