WTA suspends all Tennis tournaments in China over Peng Shuai concerns

The Women's Tennis Association has suspended all tournaments in China due to concerns about the well-being of former doubles number one Peng Shuai and the safety of other players.

WTA chief executive Steve Simon said that he can't ask the athletes to compete in China when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict the allegation of sexual assault.

Peng's whereabouts became a matter of international concern following a nearly three-week public absence after she alleged that China's former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.

The women's Tennis governing body's decision to walk away from one of its biggest markets was applauded by many leading figures. But it could cost the WTA hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship revenue.

Also read: Missing tennis star Peng Shuai: amid outcry, Chinese state media releases her 'new' smiling video

China's foreign ministry spokesperson has criticised the move of suspending all women's Tennis tournaments and lashed out at WTA saying, " We firmly oppose the acts that politicises sports."