THE ATP HAS expressed concern for Peng Shuai but stopped short of joining the WTA in suspending tournaments in China.
WTA chairman and chief executive Steve Simon has taken a strong stance against the tour’s biggest market since former world doubles number one Peng made an allegation of sexual assault against a senior Chinese official on social media last month that was swiftly removed.
The WTA has been unable to gain proof that Peng is free of censorship and coercion, while Simon’s call for the 35-year-old’s claim to be fully investigated appears to have fallen on deaf ears.
Simon said in a statement on Wednesday: “If powerful people can suppress the voices of women and sweep allegations of sexual assault under the rug, then the basis on which the WTA was founded – equality for women – would suffer an immense setback. I will not and cannot let that happen to the WTA and its players.
“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.”
Concerns for the welfare of Peng have prompted a rare show of unity in tennis, but so far that does not look set to extend to a sport-wide boycott of China.
Read our statement regarding Peng Shuai
— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 2, 2021
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ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “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.
“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.”
The International Tennis Federation, which runs events at the lower tiers of the sport, also made no mention of pulling out of the country in its statement, saying: “The International Tennis Federation, as the governing body of tennis, stands in support of all women’s rights.
“Our primary concern remains Peng Shuai’s well-being. The allegations Peng made must be addressed. We will continue to support all efforts being made to that end, both publicly and behind the scenes.”
Tournaments have not been played in China for two years because of the coronavirus pandemic, and there are none scheduled for the first part of 2022, meaning the governing bodies can afford to take a wait-and-see approach for now.
There is more urgency for the International Olympic Committee with the Winter Olympics in Beijing only two months away and talk of a boycott growing.
The IOC revealed on Thursday that it had held a second video call with Peng, and it put out a much stronger statement than the one last month that was widely derided while again stressing its belief in diplomacy.
IOC Statement on the situation of Peng Shuaihttps://t.co/7wDhc0w33f
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) December 2, 2021
The organisation said in a statement: “We share the same concern as many other people and organisations about the well-being and safety of Peng Shuai.
“This is why, just yesterday, an IOC team held another video call with her. We have offered her wide-ranging support, will stay in regular touch with her, and have already agreed on a personal meeting in January.
“There are different ways to achieve her well-being and safety. We have taken a very human and person-centred approach to her situation. Since she is a three-time Olympian, the IOC 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 IOC’s efforts led to a half-hour videoconference with Peng Shuai on 21 November, during which she explained her situation and appeared to be safe and well, given the difficult situation she is in.
“This was reconfirmed in yesterday’s call. Our human and person-centred approach means that we continue to be concerned about her personal situation and will continue to support her.”
Novak Djokovic backed the suspension, saying: “I support fully WTA’s stance because we don’t have enough information about Peng Shuai and her well-being, and her health is of the utmost importance for the tennis community.
“We don’t have enough information, and I think it’s a very bold, very courageous stance from WTA.”
Human rights charity Amnesty International also offered its support and urged the international community to keep up the pressure on China.
Doriane Lau, Amnesty’s China researcher, said: “The WTA’s decision to suspend tournaments in China after insufficient answers on the freedom of movement, well-being, and safety of tennis player Peng Shuai shows that they are taking their due diligence responsibilities seriously.
“The move, along with messages of support from some of the tennis world’s biggest stars, have also sent authorities in China a much-needed message that their attempts to sweep these allegations under the rug will not go unchallenged.
“The international community should continue to urge the Chinese government to investigate all allegations of sexual violence promptly and effectively.
“They should also ask the Chinese government to ensure that the survivors have a platform to express themselves freely and without any adverse consequences.”
Its a good team, much more attacking based then most thought and Deans at last looks like he is rewarding players on form and not solely on name
Lealifiano at 12 is a superb player who offer much more than the direct pat maccabe. Like Barnes he can also change to 10 so that gives good interchanging options on who will be the first receiver. Folau has been a sensation and due to his state of origin experience shouldnt be too fazed in his debut. Lions will do well not to kick often to the former AFL man. With Digby recovered from injury and Beale on the bench the backline is dangerous. Ben Mowen is the leading lineout taker in the super comp and has been outstanding captaining the Brumbies this year. Young Hooper at seven dominated the end of year tour last autumn and is supported from the bench by another outstanding young fletcher in Gill.
However questions still remaining over JOC ten and the headspace of Beale…
One in 4 year event, one in 12 for the wallabies, should be an absolute belter
I think joc is starting ten rather than fb or wing due to his defensive ability as the lions tactics have been to vash it down the ten chanel and then spread it wide o putting joc there means it wont be as successful. Also with barnes and lealifano there i’d say they’ll kick for territory before giving it to ashly-cooper,folau,ioane and they’ll probably kick to north and cuthbert z lot seeing as how neither plyer kicks the ball much and there for win the kicking battle giving them the territory they need to get ioane and folau into the game and that will be where they are most dangerous. The pack also has the ability to play a tight game. Everyone is saying that the lions have great strength in depth but so do the wallabies and they have a much superior bench. So seeing as the first match is at suncorp which is historically a good hunting ground for the aussies that coupled with how much we underestimate them and they’re better gench means, its set up for a 2-1 series win for the wallabies