Former tennis pundits criticize ATP for not stopping play in China with Peng Shuai safety concerns continuing

On Wednesday, December 1, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced the suspension of all tennis events in China until Peng Shuai’s safety is confirmed.

Since this decision, the ATP (men’s professional league) has yet to suspend tournaments in China. ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi released a statement regarding the Shuai situation, but the ATP declined to answer any questions about whether it would suspend events in China.

“The situation regarding Peng Shuai continues to raise serious concerns inside and outside of our sports arena,” said Gaudenzi, through a statement. “Responses to those concerns have so far been limited. We are once again calling for an open line of direct communication between players and the WTA to establish a clearer picture of the player’s circumstances. She. We know that sport can have a positive effect on society and generally believe that a global presence gives us the best opportunity to create opportunity and make an impact.”

THAN: Things to know about ‘Where is Peng Shuai?’

Shuai’s safety and location remain unknown after she claimed sexual assault against a former top Chinese government official on November 2. Since the claim, Shuai has been spoke to the International Olympic Committee via video call, but she has yet to speak to the WTA. This is why there are still concerns about her general safety.

WTA President Steve Simon issued a statement accompanying the WTA announcement on Wednesday in which he said he did not want to have to cancel events, but felt the need to ensure the safety of Shuai and other WTA members.

“Therefore, and with the full support of the WTA Board of Directors, I announce the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong,” said Simon’s statement. “In good conscience, I don’t understand how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to socialize freely and appears to have been pressured to protest the allegation. With the current situation, I am also very concerned about the risks that all our players and staff may face if we hold events in China. in 2022.”

THAN: Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai told the IOC on a video call that she is safe and healthy

Following this news from the WTA, several former tennis pros criticized the ATP for not following suit. Former No. 1 Andy Roddick retweeted the ATP statement and said that “how can you say a lot of words without saying anything.”

Another former American professional tennis player Martina Navratilova also retweeted critical comments about the ATP, adding a few of her own.

While not many other players specifically commented on the ATP announcement, several current players have commented on Shuai’s safety, bringing to light her situation. Serena Williams, arguably the most famous female tennis player of all time, tweeted about Shuai when concerns about her safety began. Two of those players include former No. 1 Andy Murray and current No. 1 Novak Djokovic.