The WTA is still working to find a resolution to the standoff with China over the Peng Shuai issue but will not return to the country this year, Tour chief Steve Simon said. Former doubles world number one Peng`s well-being became a concern for the WTA after she posted a message on social media last November accusing China`s former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault.

The post was subsequently removed and Peng disappeared from public view for three weeks. The following month, the WTA suspended all of its tournaments in China, a decision expected to cost the elite women`s tour hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship.

"We remain dedicated to finding a resolution to this," Simon told The Tennis Podcast.

"We want to find a resolution that Peng can be comfortable with, the Chinese government can be comfortable with, and we can be comfortable with.

"We are not about walking away from China. We have suspended our operations there right now. We will continue to do that until we get to a resolution.

"We will stay resolute. We do hope to be back there in 2023 with the resolution that shows progress was made in the space. That`s a victory for the world if we can accomplish that."

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andrey-rublev-defeats-novak-djokovic-to-claim-serbia-open-title-473499">&nbsp;Andrey Rublev defeats Novak Djokovic to claim Serbia Open title</a>

Peng, who had already effectively retired from professional tennis, made an appearance at the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February and denied she had accused anyone of sexual assault, adding that she herself had deleted the social media post.

The WTA, however, stuck to its demand for a formal investigation into Peng`s allegations and an opportunity to meet with her privately to discuss the situation.

"We have not had any recent communication with Peng and the world has not seen Peng since the Olympics either," Simon said.

"I don`t think you will make change in this world by walking away from issues. You have to create change. 
"It might not be everything we want. But we have to find a solution that finds that balance that allows us to go back and see progress in the area."

The WTA has yet to announce its 2022 calendar for events after the U.S. Open Grand Slam in September, but Simon said the governing body would announce a "fairly solid" autumn schedule within the next two or three weeks.

While there has been signs of collaboration between the ATP Tour and the WTA since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the men`s Tour has not withdrawn its presence from China and will host four tournaments in the country this season.

Simon said he respected the ATP`s position.

"Their difference is that ... they don`t have a member that`s affected there," Simon added. "They will have to make their own decisions at this point of time.

"Would we love to have their support on what we are standing for there and the issues? Absolutely. But we are not trying to influence their decision in any way, it has to be theirs."

The WTA is still working to find a resolution to the standoff with China over the Peng Shuai issue but will not return to the country this year, Tour chief Steve Simon said.

The WTA is still working to find a resolution to the standoff with China over the Peng Shuai issue but will not return to the country this year, Tour chief Steve Simon said. Former doubles world number one Peng`s well-being became a concern for the WTA after she posted a message on social media last November accusing China`s former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault. The post was subsequently removed and Peng disappeared from public view for three weeks. The following month, the WTA suspended all of its tournaments in China, a decision expected to cost the elite women`s tour hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship. "We remain dedicated to finding a resolution to this," Simon told The Tennis Podcast. "We want to find a resolution that Peng can be comfortable with, the Chinese government can be comfortable with, and we can be comfortable with. "We are not about walking away from China. We have suspended our operations there right now. We will continue to do that until we get to a resolution. "We will stay resolute. We do hope to be back there in 2023 with the resolution that shows progress was made in the space. That`s a victory for the world if we can accomplish that." Also Read: Andrey Rublev defeats Novak Djokovic to claim Serbia Open title Peng, who had already effectively retired from professional tennis, made an appearance at the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February and denied she had accused anyone of sexual assault, adding that she herself had deleted the social media post. The WTA, however, stuck to its demand for a formal investigation into Peng`s allegations and an opportunity to meet with her privately to discuss the situation. "We have not had any recent communication with Peng and the world has not seen Peng since the Olympics either," Simon said. "I don`t think you will make change in this world by walking away from issues. You have to create change. "It might not be everything we want. But we have to find a solution that finds that balance that allows us to go back and see progress in the area." The WTA has yet to announce its 2022 calendar for events after the U.S. Open Grand Slam in September, but Simon said the governing body would announce a "fairly solid" autumn schedule within the next two or three weeks. While there has been signs of collaboration between the ATP Tour and the WTA since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the men`s Tour has not withdrawn its presence from China and will host four tournaments in the country this season. Simon said he respected the ATP`s position. "Their difference is that ... they don`t have a member that`s affected there," Simon added. "They will have to make their own decisions at this point of time. "Would we love to have their support on what we are standing for there and the issues? Absolutely. But we are not trying to influence their decision in any way, it has to be theirs."

WTA not returning to China in 2022, wants resolution to Peng Shuai case

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai on Sunday (December 19) has denied making sexual assault accusations against anyone and also said that her social media post had been misunderstood.&nbsp;

Last month, Shuai remained in the headlines globally when she went 'missing' after she alleged that a powerful Chinese politician sexually assaulted her. Now, she is saying her post on the Twitter-like social media platform Weibo was&nbsp;misinterpreted.&nbsp;

In a social media post, it was understood that Shuai accused a former Chinese vice premier of forcing her into sex several years ago, coerced her into sex and they later had an on-off consensual relationship.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-reporter-posts-fresh-unverified-footage-of-tennis-star-peng-shuai-online-watch-438150">Chinese reporter posts fresh unverified footage of Tennis star Peng Shuai online- WATCH</a>

"First, I need to stress one point that is extremely important, I have never said or written that anyone has sexually assaulted me, I have to clearly stress this point," Reuters quoted Peng, citing a video posted by Lianhe Zaobao, a Singapore media outlet.

Peng's remarks marked the first time she had addressed the matter on camera in public. She spoke on the sidelines of a cross-country skiing event in Shanghai that she attended.

The 35-year-old said that her post on Weibo was a "private matter" and further added that "people have many misunderstandings" about her post. She did not elaborate.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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👇🏻 Peng Shuai’s interview by Lianhe Zaobao 
 
Peng Shuai denied she had made any accusation of sexual assault by Zhang Gaoli and claimed she wasn’t detained or under coercion. She also claimed she had sent emails to Steve Simon on her own accord. 
 
86/n<a href="https://t.co/vP4sLsKwXt">https://t.co/vP4sLsKwXt</a>
— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Byron_Wan/status/1472625674091659264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-urges-for-communication-between-peng-shuai-and-wta-after-suspension-of-tennis-tournaments-in-china-433661">ATP urges for 'communication' between Peng Shuai and WTA after suspension of tennis tournaments in China</a>

Early this month, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), which has sought a direct line of communication with Peng, said it would suspend tournaments&nbsp;in China immediately due to concerns over the treatment of Peng and the safety of other players.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Peng Shuai changes her story, but WTA unconvinced

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-peng-shuai-changes-her-story-but-wta-unconvinced-438563/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shuai's case became a matter of global concern when top tennis stars such as Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic, etc questioned her well-being and whereabouts.

IOC had also intervened and held two&nbsp;video calls&nbsp;with the player to assure the world that Peng Shuai is safe.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai on Sunday (December 19) has denied making sexual assault accusations against anyone and also said that her social media post had been misunderstood.

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai on Sunday (December 19) has denied making sexual assault accusations against anyone and also said that her social media post had been misunderstood. Last month, Shuai remained in the headlines globally when she went 'missing' after she alleged that a powerful Chinese politician sexually assaulted her. Now, she is saying her post on the Twitter-like social media platform Weibo was misinterpreted. In a social media post, it was understood that Shuai accused a former Chinese vice premier of forcing her into sex several years ago, coerced her into sex and they later had an on-off consensual relationship. ALSO READ | Chinese reporter posts fresh unverified footage of Tennis star Peng Shuai online- WATCH "First, I need to stress one point that is extremely important, I have never said or written that anyone has sexually assaulted me, I have to clearly stress this point," Reuters quoted Peng, citing a video posted by Lianhe Zaobao, a Singapore media outlet. Peng's remarks marked the first time she had addressed the matter on camera in public. She spoke on the sidelines of a cross-country skiing event in Shanghai that she attended. The 35-year-old said that her post on Weibo was a "private matter" and further added that "people have many misunderstandings" about her post. She did not elaborate. 👇🏻 Peng Shuai’s interview by Lianhe Zaobao Peng Shuai denied she had made any accusation of sexual assault by Zhang Gaoli and claimed she wasn’t detained or under coercion. She also claimed she had sent emails to Steve Simon on her own accord. 86/nhttps://t.co/vP4sLsKwXt — Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) December 19, 2021 × ALSO READ: ATP urges for 'communication' between Peng Shuai and WTA after suspension of tennis tournaments in China Early this month, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), which has sought a direct line of communication with Peng, said it would suspend tournaments in China immediately due to concerns over the treatment of Peng and the safety of other players. Watch | Gravitas: Peng Shuai changes her story, but WTA unconvinced Shuai's case became a matter of global concern when top tennis stars such as Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic, etc questioned her well-being and whereabouts. IOC had also intervened and held two video calls with the player to assure the world that Peng Shuai is safe. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai denies making accusation of sexual assault

There will be no World Tennis Tour events held in China in 2022, an International Tennis Federation (ITF) source confirmed to Reuters on Thursday. The source did not say if the move was linked to concerns over the health and safety of doubles star Peng Shuai. In the last full season in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, China hosted about 25 ITF women’s and 15 men’s events.

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 World Tennis Tour tournaments are scheduled to be played in China in 2022," an ITF source told Reuters without providing any further details.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/peng-shuai-row-china-hits-back-at-wta-for-politicising-sport-after-it-suspends-all-tournaments-in-country-433494">Peng Shuai row: China hits back at WTA for 'politicising sport' after it suspends all tournaments in country</a>

The ITF gave no reason for the decision but it follows the Women`s Tennis Association`s (WTA) move to suspend tournaments in China following Peng`s accusations of sexual assault against a former vice premier. Peng, a former doubles world number one, was unseen in public for nearly three weeks after she posted a message on social media in November accusing China`s former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her into sex, with her whereabouts becoming a matter of international concern.

Unlike the WTA, the ITF does not have major professional tournaments in China and is more focused on grassroots development events.

There will be no World Tennis Tour events held in China in 2022, an International Tennis Federation (ITF) source confirmed to Reuters on Thursday. The source did not say if the move was linked to concerns over the health and safety of doubles star Peng Shuai.

There will be no World Tennis Tour events held in China in 2022, an International Tennis Federation (ITF) source confirmed to Reuters on Thursday. The source did not say if the move was linked to concerns over the health and safety of doubles star Peng Shuai. In the last full season in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, China hosted about 25 ITF women’s and 15 men’s events. 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 World Tennis Tour tournaments are scheduled to be played in China in 2022," an ITF source told Reuters without providing any further details. ALSO READ | Peng Shuai row: China hits back at WTA for 'politicising sport' after it suspends all tournaments in country The ITF gave no reason for the decision but it follows the Women`s Tennis Association`s (WTA) move to suspend tournaments in China following Peng`s accusations of sexual assault against a former vice premier. Peng, a former doubles world number one, was unseen in public for nearly three weeks after she posted a message on social media in November accusing China`s former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her into sex, with her whereabouts becoming a matter of international concern. Unlike the WTA, the ITF does not have major professional tournaments in China and is more focused on grassroots development events.

Peng Shuai row? No World Tennis Tour events in China in 2022, confirms ITF source

The United States has said it 'applauds'&nbsp;the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for its decision to suspend tournaments in China over the treatment of former doubles world number one Peng Shuai.

The U.S. is monitoring the situation surrounding Peng and it has not seen or heard anything that allays its concerns for her well-being, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Friday.

Peng was not seen in public for nearly three weeks after she posted a message on social media in November accusing China's former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her into sex, with her whereabouts becoming a matter of international concern.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-urges-for-communication-between-peng-shuai-and-wta-after-suspension-of-tennis-tournaments-in-china-433661">ATP urges for 'communication' between Peng Shuai and WTA after suspension of tennis tournaments in China</a>

Neither Zhang, who retired in 2018, nor the government have commented on Peng's accusation and the topic has been blocked on China's heavily censored internet.

The WTA's decision, which could cost the women's tennis organisation hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship, was applauded by the sport's fraternity.

On Thursday, Beijing took umbrage&nbsp;at the suspension of WTA tournaments in China, with its foreign ministry saying China "opposes the politicization of sports".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/peng-shuai-sexual-assault-row-wta-announces-immediate-suspension-of-all-tournaments-in-china-433406">Peng Shuai sexual assault row: WTA announces immediate suspension of all tournaments in China</a>

Peng, a three-time Olympian, appeared in mid-November at a dinner with friends and a children's tennis event in Beijing, photographs and videos published by Chinese state media and by the tournament's organisers showed.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it had held a second video call with the 35-year-old on Wednesday following one late last month.

The United States has said it 'applauds' the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for its decision to suspend tournaments in China over the treatment of former doubles world number one Peng Shuai.

The United States has said it 'applauds' the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for its decision to suspend tournaments in China over the treatment of former doubles world number one Peng Shuai. The U.S. is monitoring the situation surrounding Peng and it has not seen or heard anything that allays its concerns for her well-being, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Friday. Peng was not seen in public for nearly three weeks after she posted a message on social media in November accusing China's former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her into sex, with her whereabouts becoming a matter of international concern. ALSO READ: ATP urges for 'communication' between Peng Shuai and WTA after suspension of tennis tournaments in China Neither Zhang, who retired in 2018, nor the government have commented on Peng's accusation and the topic has been blocked on China's heavily censored internet. The WTA's decision, which could cost the women's tennis organisation hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship, was applauded by the sport's fraternity. On Thursday, Beijing took umbrage at the suspension of WTA tournaments in China, with its foreign ministry saying China "opposes the politicization of sports". ALSO READ | Peng Shuai sexual assault row: WTA announces immediate suspension of all tournaments in China Peng, a three-time Olympian, appeared in mid-November at a dinner with friends and a children's tennis event in Beijing, photographs and videos published by Chinese state media and by the tournament's organisers showed. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it had held a second video call with the 35-year-old on Wednesday following one late last month.

U.S. supports WTA for call to suspend tournaments in China over Peng Shuai concerns

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi urged for a line of open and direct communication between Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in order to establish a clearer picture of her situation.

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi urged for a line of open and direct communication between Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in order to establish a clearer picture of her situation. WTA has suspended all tournaments in China over concerns related to the safety and well-being of the tennis star. Soon after that, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Thursday (December 2) that it had held a second video conference call with the Chinese tennis player, who remained in the global headlines last month when she went 'missing' after she alleged that a powerful Chinese politician sexually assaulted her. ALSO READ | Peng Shuai row: China hits back at WTA for 'politicising sport' after it suspends all tournaments in country In a statement, ATP chairman Gaudenzi wrote: "The situation involving Peng Shuai continues to raise serious concerns within and beyond our sport. The response to those concerns has so far fallen short. We again urge for a line of open direct communication between the player and the WTA in order to establish a clearer picture of her situation." The statement added: "We know that sport can have a positive influence on society and generally believe that having a global presence gives us the best chance of creating opportunity and making an impact. We will continue to consult with our members and monitor any developments as this issue evolves." Watch | Gravitas: #MeToo: China punished for protecting a predator The International Tennis Federation (ITF), meanwhile, said they shared the concerns over Peng's well-being. "Peng's accusations must be dealt with," the ITF said in a statement on Thursday.m What IOC said? In a statement issued by IOC on the official social media handle, they informed that Shuai's safety was "reconfirmed" in the second video call. "Our human and person-centred approach means that we continue to be concerned about her personal situation and will continue to support her," the statement read. ALSO READ | Peng Shuai sexual assault row: WTA announces immediate suspension of all tournaments in China "There are different ways to achieve her well-being and safety. We have taken a very human and person-centred approach to her situation," IOC stated, adding that the committee is addressing these concerns directly with Chinese sports organisations. "We are using “quiet diplomacy” which, given the circumstances and based on the experience of governments and other organisations, is indicated to be the most promising way to proceed effectively in such humanitarian matters," the statement added. ×

ATP urges for 'communication' between Peng Shuai and WTA after suspension of tennis tournaments in China

Peng Shuai, former World No. 1 in doubles category, has made heads turn ever since she posted on social media,&nbsp;in early November, that China`s former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her. Soon after the earthshattering revelations, Shuai had vanished from public eyes amid huge concerns over her whereabouts and safety.

Shuai's video call with Olympic chief, in late November, did lead to a sigh of relief for her fans and followers. However, the World Tennis Association (WTA) had claimed that her chat didn't address the organisation's concerns about her well-being. Back then, a WTA spokesperson stated, "It was good to see Peng Shuai in recent videos, but they don`t alleviate or address the WTA`s concern about her well-being and ability to communicate without censorship or coercion.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/peng-shuai-sexual-assault-row-wta-announces-immediate-suspension-of-all-tournaments-in-china-433406">Peng Shuai sexual assault row: WTA announces immediate suspension of all tournaments in China</a>

On Thursday (December 2), China was dealt with a huge blow as the WTA announced the immediate suspension of all tennis tournaments in the country in the aftermath of the Shuai sexual assault allegations. "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 sexual assault," WTA Chief Executive Steve Simon said in a statement.

"Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2022," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nine-time-australian-open-winner-novak-djokovic-likely-to-skip-tournament-over-vaccine-mandate-says-father-432967">Nine-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic likely to skip tournament over vaccine mandate, says father</a>

The development hasn't been received well as foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin reacted to the suspension news.

"We are firmly opposed to acts politicising sport," Wenbin said in a brief comment to reporters when asked about the WTA boycott.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: #MeToo: China punished for protecting a predator

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-metoo-china-punished-for-protecting-a-predator-433640/embed" width="560"></iframe>

For the unversed, the WTA announcement comes as a huge shock as Beijing is gearing up to host the Winter Olympics in February, 2022. On the other hand, China's human rights record, international rights organisations and others have demanded a boycott of the Beijing Olympics altogether.

Peng Shuai, former World No. 1 in doubles category, has made heads turn ever since she posted on social media, in early November, that China`s former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.

Peng Shuai, former World No. 1 in doubles category, has made heads turn ever since she posted on social media, in early November, that China`s former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her. Soon after the earthshattering revelations, Shuai had vanished from public eyes amid huge concerns over her whereabouts and safety. Shuai's video call with Olympic chief, in late November, did lead to a sigh of relief for her fans and followers. However, the World Tennis Association (WTA) had claimed that her chat didn't address the organisation's concerns about her well-being. Back then, a WTA spokesperson stated, "It was good to see Peng Shuai in recent videos, but they don`t alleviate or address the WTA`s concern about her well-being and ability to communicate without censorship or coercion. ALSO READ | Peng Shuai sexual assault row: WTA announces immediate suspension of all tournaments in China On Thursday (December 2), China was dealt with a huge blow as the WTA announced the immediate suspension of all tennis tournaments in the country in the aftermath of the Shuai sexual assault allegations. "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 sexual assault," WTA Chief Executive Steve Simon said in a statement. "Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2022," he added. ALSO READ | Nine-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic likely to skip tournament over vaccine mandate, says father The development hasn't been received well as foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin reacted to the suspension news. "We are firmly opposed to acts politicising sport," Wenbin said in a brief comment to reporters when asked about the WTA boycott. Watch | Gravitas: #MeToo: China punished for protecting a predator For the unversed, the WTA announcement comes as a huge shock as Beijing is gearing up to host the Winter Olympics in February, 2022. On the other hand, China's human rights record, international rights organisations and others have demanded a boycott of the Beijing Olympics altogether.

Peng Shuai row: China hits back at WTA for 'politicising sport' after it suspends all tournaments in country

Vivo post caused a massive stir in China recently. Peng Shuai one of China's biggest stars took to Vivo, she accused China's former premier of sexual assault. Beijing now wants powers to kill such stories well before they go online and turn into global campaigns.

China's cyberspace regulator pushes for new rules

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