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.

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

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'

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has entered dangerous waters by taking part in a call with Peng Shuai that was meant to provide assurances over the Chinese player`s safety, human rights group Amnesty International said on Monday.

IOC entering 'dangerous waters' with Peng Shuai video call, says Amnesty International

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

The WTA Tour on Sunday called on the Chinese government to investigate allegations of sexual assault made by Peng Shuai against a former Chinese vice premier, while also demanding an end to censorship of the former top-ranked doubles player.

WTA calls for investigation into Peng Shuai's allegations after Chinese tennis star goes 'missing'