Breaking Barriers: Women's Tennis Makes Historic Comeback in China

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) launched its inaugural tournament in China after a hiatus of over three years, signaling the end of its boycott due to concerns surrounding tennis player Peng Shuai's well-being.

As one of China's prominent sports personalities, Peng drew attention in 2021 amid suspicions that she was being held incommunicado by the Chinese government. This followed her allegations against retired Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, asserting that he had coerced her into a sexual relationship over a period of several years.

After the accusation, Peng vanished from public sight for over two weeks, triggering calls for answers from top tennis players worldwide and the United Nations. They demanded to know her location and a thorough investigation into her accusations against Zhang. Peng, an accomplished athlete with three Olympic appearances and a grand slam doubles championship under her belt, later retracted her claim of sexual assault. Yet, concerns over Peng's safety and freedom of speech persisted among international observers and sports authorities, considering the Communist Party's history of stifling dissent.

Following the eruption of controversy in late 2021, the WTA promptly declared the suspension of all tournaments in China. Chairman and CEO Steve Simon expressed his apprehension, stating that he harbored doubts regarding Peng's freedom, safety, and vulnerability to censorship, coercion, and intimidation. Simon further asserted that the WTA would refrain from resuming activities until an extensive and transparent investigation was conducted, devoid of any censorship. Furthermore, the organization required substantial evidence to alleviate concerns regarding Peng's wellbeing and location.

China's Peng Shuai delivers a powerful forehand strike against Japan's Nao Hibino in their opening round singles encounter at the prestigious Australian Open tennis championship held in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. (Photo courtesy of AP/Andy Brownbill)

Andy Brownbill/AP

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However, even without conducting an investigation, Simon declared in April that the suspension, referred to as a "principled stand," would conclude by September. The WTA had already canceled its tournaments in China in 2020 because of travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"At the time, he expressed his frustration, stating that despite 16 months of suspended tennis competition in China and continuous efforts to achieve their initial requests, there were no indications of any positive change in the situation. It was determined that their goals would never be fully attained, and it is the players and tournaments who will ultimately bear a significant burden for their sacrifices.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the WTA has been in touch with individuals who are close to Peng, and they have received confirmation that she is living securely with her family in Beijing. He emphasized that throughout this entire ordeal, Peng should not be disregarded."

The Guangzhou Open commenced on Monday and will continue until Saturday in southern China. Another tournament is set to take place later in September in the city of Ningbo, followed by the China Open in Beijing from September 30 to October 8.

Peng Shuai from China serves to Hibino Nao from Japan in their first-round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia on January 21, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Bai Xue/Xinhua via Getty)

All Women's tennis tournaments in China have been suspended due to concerns for Peng Shuai. Peng's last public appearance was in February 2022 at the Beijing Winter Games, where she met with Olympic officials and gave an interview to the independent French sport news site, LEquipe.

The decision of the WTAs to resume play has faced criticism from human rights groups and athletes. Human Rights Watch, an international organization, expressed its disappointment in the move and called for the case of Peng Shuai to remain in the public's awareness. Additionally, French player Alize Cornet, who was an early supporter of Peng with the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai, will not be participating in the competition in China. Although not directly mentioning Peng, the French newspaper Le Parisien reported this information.

The newspaper reported that Cornet had posted an Instagram story stating that her season would not resume until later in October. "In order to stay true to my beliefs and prioritize my health, I have made the decision to not play in China this year," Cornet was quoted as saying, according to Reuters.