ATP soft on Peng issue
PARIS, France (AFP) — The head of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) on Thursday shied away from joining the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in boycotting all China tournaments over the Peng Shuai affair, insisting that a “global presence gives us the best chance of making an impact.” ATP chairperson Andrea Gaudenzi admitted concerns over the welfare of 35-year-old Peng, a doubles champion at Wimbledon and the French Open, who has not been seen for weeks following her allegations of sexual assault against a former Communist Party leader. “The situation involving Peng Shuai continues to raise serious concerns within and beyond our sport,” said Gaudenzi in a statement. “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.” “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.”
The WTA on Wednesday said it was suspending all tournaments in China because of what its chair called “serious doubts” about the safety of Peng.
WTA chair and CEO Steve Simon said the move — which could cost the Women’s Tennis Association hundreds of millions of dollars — had the “full support” of the tour’s board of directors.
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.
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.