The women’s professional tennis tour will bring its events back to China later this year, announcing on Thursday the end of a boycott instituted in late 2021 over concerns about the safety of former player Peng Shuai after she accused a high-ranking government official there of sexual assault.
WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon said in an interview that while what he sought was never delivered — a chance for someone from the tour to meet with Peng, along with a full and transparent investigation into the grand slam doubles champion’s accusations — the decision was made, with input from player and tournament representatives, to return to the country.
“The stance that we took at the time was appropriate. And we stand by that. But 16 months into this, we’re convinced that our requests will not be met. And to continue with the same strategy doesn’t make sense,” Simon said.
“So we needed to look at a different approach. With this, our members believe it’s time to resume the mission in China, while at the same time making sure that Peng is not forgotten.”
Although there have been no reports of Peng sightings in public since carefully orchestrated appearances in February 2022, Simon said the WTA has “received assurances from people who are close to her that she is safe and living with her family in Beijing”.
