ITF chief supports women’s rights but won’t suspend tournaments in China over Peng Shuai case

International Tennis Federation (ITF) President David Haggerty insists although his organisation supports all women’s rights they don’t want to punish a billion people by suspending tournaments in China in light of the Peng Shuai situation.
This comes after the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) suspended tournaments in China immediately following a backlash after former doubles world No 1 Peng accused a top government official of sexual assault.
Olympic chiefs speak to Peng Shuai after WTA pulls all events out of China
The 35-year-old Peng, in a deleted post in November, accused retired Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of pressuring her into having sex.
However, the men’s professional tennis association, the ATP said it won’t follow suit and suspend tournaments.
Haggerty warns against punishing ordinary citizens.
“As the governing body of tennis, we stand in support of all women’s rights,” David Haggerty has told BBC Sport.
“The allegations need to be looked into, and we will continue to work behind the scenes and directly to bring this to resolution.”
The ITF, as the governing body of tennis, stands in support of all women’s rights.
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/GOGuOeyOyI
— ITF (@ITFTennis) December 2, 2021
He added: “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.
“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.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Does Matteo Berrettini have a new love interest?
Matteo Berrettini has been spotted with former model Melissa Satta.
-
Australian Open
2023 Australian Open women’s final info, form, H2H, preview: Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka
All the info you need ahead of the 2023 Australian Open women’s final.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina: Why the quiet girl is set to dominate Grand Slam tennis
Elena Rybakina could be an all-timer.
-
Tennis News
Mats Wilander expects Elena Rybakina to make ’10 grand slam finals’
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina beat Victoria Azarenka 7-6, 6-3 to set up a final with Belarusian fifth-seed Sabalenka.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open day 11: Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina reach women’s final
The story of the 11th day of action from Melbourne Park.
-
News
Aryna Sabalenka books power battle with Elena Rybakina in Australian Open final
Sabalenka beat Magda Linette 7-6 (1) 6-2 to reach her first grand slam singles final.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic plunged into fresh controversy and he needs to fix it quickly
Novak Djokovic needs to do all he can to clean up the mess created by his father as quickly as possible.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Andy Murray shares hilarious mock lipreading video from Thanasi Kokkinakis clash
Andy Murray saw the funny side of a TikTok video from his Australian Open second round win.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic still motivated by Rafael Nadal rivalry
That Grand Slam record is on Novak Djokovic’s mind for sure.
-
News
Elena Rybakina clinches straight sets semi-final win over Victoria Azarenka
Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina defeated Victoria Azarenka to reach her second grand slam final at the Australian Open.