Tennis federation has no plans to suspend events in China amid Peng Shuai concerns

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said it has no plans to suspend upcoming events in China amid concerns about the safety of tennis star Peng Shuai. 

In an interview with the BBC published Sunday, ITF President David Haggerty said the federation doesn’t want to “punish” billions of people by canceling events in China. 

“But you have to remember that the ITF is the governing body of the sport worldwide, and one of the things that we are responsible for is grassroots development,” Haggerty told the BBC. 

“We don’t want to punish a billion people, so we will continue to run our junior events in the country and our senior events that are there for the time being.”

Haggerty also said the allegations Peng has brought forward need to be looked at and the governing body will work to find a resolution in their investigation, according to the BBC. 

Haggerty’s remarks come after the Women’s Tennis Association last week suspended its tournaments in China until an investigation is launched into the recent sexual assault allegations made by Peng, Reuters reported.

Peng, a former doubles champion, was reported missing after writing a now-deleted social media post last month accusing Zhang Gaoli, a former vice premier of China, of forcing her to have sex with him despite repeated refusals.

Tennis stars including Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Billie Jean King and Novak Djokovic have also used their platforms to voice support for Peng amid her disappearance last month.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Thursday it held a second video call meeting with Peng, adding Peng agreed to a personal meeting with committee members in January. 

“There are different ways to achieve her well-being and safety. We have taken a very human and person-centred approach to her situation. Since she is a three-time Olympian, the IOC is addressing these concerns directly with Chinese sports organisations,” the IOC said in a statement.