Peng Shuai case: Novak Djokovic fully supports WTA demand
The Peng Shuai case continues to make waves. While the picture and video material of the former double specialist on the part of the Chinese government media did not provide any relief, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer now also commented on the cause.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Nov 21, 2021, 08:40 am
The Peng Shuai case has meanwhile reached the top. Most recently, the White House in Washington commented on the well-being of the Chinese dual specialist. Shuai had disappeared from the scene since her post accusing a former top party official of China's abuse. Except for a dubious email and image and video material from government media, nothing has been heard from Shuai since then.
The WTA in particular reacted sharply recently, including a withdrawal of the women's tour from China. This story is bigger than the business, assured WTA boss Steve Simon. "Women must be respected and must not be censored," demanded the CEO of the WTA. In the meantime, the state media in China announced that Shuai would soon be seen again in public appearances.
Djokovic supports WTA
Novak Djokovic has, however, assured the WTA's approach of his full support. "I want to make it clear that I fully support the position of the WTA. The tennis community must act together. I think it would not be logical for us to continue to hold tournaments in China until the matter is resolved," said the Serb . "It's horrible what is happening and I support 100% that tennis ceases any relationship with China until everything is sorted out."
The top priority is undoubtedly the well-being of the two-time major winner in doubles, emphasized Djokovic. "We hope that we can prevent the worst and resolve the situation as quickly as possible," said the world number one. Rafael Nadal recently hit the same line,emphasizing : "The most important thing now is that she is okay. We all in the tennis family hope to see her with us soon."
WTA is stepping up
In the past few days, there has been a real wave of solidarity in the tennis scene. In addition to Nadal and Djokovic, Roger Federer also recently expressed his solidarity with the Chinese. A subject, which the double specialist shows with the hashtag #whereispengshuai, was shared by the vast majority of the top players in the WTA.
In the meantime, the WTA, in the person of Steve Simon, has also reacted to the published video and image material and has shown itself to be less than satisfied: "This video alone is not sufficient. As I explained from the start, I am still concerned about my health and security from Peng Shuai and that the sexual assault allegation will be censored and swept under the carpet. I have made it clear what needs to be done and our relations with China are at a crossroads. "