Support WTA Suspend Tournament In China Because Of Peng Shuai, Djokovic: Very Brave Stance

Novak Djokovic (Instagram @djokernole)

JAKARTA - World number one Novak Djokovic supports the World Women's Tennis Association (WTA) decision to suspend all tournaments in China due to concerns over Peng Shuai's safety after exposing a sexual harassment scandal by a top Communist Party official.

"I fully support the WTA's stance because we don't have much information about Peng Shuai's whereabouts and safety," Djokovic said on the sidelines of the Davis Cup match in Madrid.

"I think the WTA's attitude is extraordinary and courageous," he added.

WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon on Wednesday announced the immediate suspension of all scheduled tournaments in China amid speculation over Peng Shuai's whereabouts and safety, which has been hotly debated following allegations of the sexual harassment scandal of former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.

Simon said the move had the full support of the tour's board even though it could cost the association hundreds of millions of dollars.

"I announce the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong," Simon said in a statement.

"I can't ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and it appears he is being pressured to deny sexual harassment allegations against him," he said.

He also said he was concerned about the risks WTA players and staff could face if they continued to hold the tournament in China in 2022.

The WTA originally had 11 tournaments on the agenda in China this year before COVID-19 forced them to cancel and relocate the championships. While the schedule in the 2022 calendar has not yet been set.

Peng, the women's tennis player who won the 2013 Wimbledon and 2014 French Open in the women's doubles category, has not raised her nose at all in public for more than two weeks after posting on social media that Zhang had raped her.

The post, posted on November 2nd, was immediately removed from all internet discussions shortly thereafter, and Peng has not appeared in person in public since then.

But Peng's photo had circulated when he attended a tennis event in Beijing. He even had a video call with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on November 21.

"While we know Peng's whereabouts, I doubt he is free, safe and not under duress and intimidation," Simon said.

He again urged that Peng's allegations be thoroughly investigated and investigated fairly, openly and without censorship.