December 02, (THEWILL) – Novak Djokovic has stated that he supports the WTA Tour’s “very bold and very courageous” decision to halt all tournaments in China owing to persistent worries over Peng Shuai’s safety.
THEWILL reported last month that Peng had accused Zhang Gaoli, a former vice-premier of the Chinese Communist Party, of alleged sexual coercion three years ago. Her Weibo account was first to be deactivated before she was never not been seen in public unaccompanied.
Djokovic, speaking at the Davis Cup, said “I support fully the WTA’s stance because we don’t have enough information” and the world number one on the ATP Tour praised the resolve of the WTA Tour to follow through with its resolution in its response to the situation.
The Serb added that Peng’s health was of the “utmost importance to the world of tennis”.
Peng’s disappearance sparked fears about her safety and whereabouts all around the world, particularly among professional tennis players with some like Naomi Osaka, Djokovic and Serena Williams speaking out directly on her behalf.
Videos purporting to show Peng at a dinner and another purporting to show her at a youth tennis tournament in Beijing in late November were released by Chinese official media. Both have been widely questioned in terms of their veracity.
Then, according to the IOC, Peng spoke with Thomas Bach, head of the International Olympic Committee, by video chat in late November, claiming that she was safe and well.
WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon issued a statement on Wednesday stating that he still has “serious doubts” that she is “free, safe, and not subject to censorship, coercion, or intimidation,” and that WTA events in China have been suspended immediately
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
