Peng Shuai case: Djokovic, Navratilova, King applaud the WTA
The decision of the WTA to suspend the tournaments in China until further notice because of the Peng Shuai case is also supported by Novak Djokovic , Martina Navratilova and Billie-Jean King.
by SID / red
last edit: Dec 02, 2021, 08:41 am
Novak Djokovic (34) supports the WTA tournament cancellation in China in the Peng Shuai case and is worried about the player's health. "I fully support the stance of the WTA because we do not have enough information about Peng Shuai and her welfare," said the world number one on the sidelines of the David Cup in Madrid, adding that the health of Peng Shuai for the Tennis world is of "greatest importance".
Djokovic had already backed the WTA's threat last month to cut lucrative business relations with China because of the case. "I think the WTA's position is very brave," said the Serb. The question of whether the ATP will catch up has not yet been clarified. Apparently it is already being discussed in gaming circles.
Navratilova holds the IOC accountable
The WTA had eleven events planned in China this year before they were rescheduled or canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The resumption of the tournaments has now been put on hold, as Steve Simon, chairman of the players' organization, announced on Wednesday evening. Support for this measure also came from Martina Navratilova, one of the greatest players of all time. Navratilova also called on the IOC in the same breath to act in a similar way to the WTA.
The legendary American also announced on Twitter that Billie-Jean King is on the side of Steve Simon and the WTA.
In early November, Peng Shuai (35) reported in the Twitter-like medium Weibo that he had been sexually abused by the former Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli. The entry was deleted as well as numerous Internet entries about Peng, of which there was no trace for more than two weeks. The WTA assessed later statements as being made under duress. A conversation with IOC President Thomas Bach, which was published on the Internet, did not help to relax the situation, on the contrary.