Tennis legend Maria Sharapova has turn out to be the newest high-profile identify to voice her opinion after the WTA withdrew occasions from China over fears for Peng Shuai, the participant who many imagine is being coerced by authorities.
The eyes of the world have been on the escalating saga round Peng, whose solely public appearances since she made swiftly-removed accusations towards a former authorities official have been equipped by state-affiliated media.
Superstars of the ladies’s recreation have referred to as for a full investigation into Peng’s welfare and the sexual abuse claims that had been briefly seen on her social media, together with Serena Williams, Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova.
Regardless of their influential assist, few would have anticipated Steve Simon, the boss of the WTA, to tug occasions fully from China, which is regarded as the strongest-growing marketplace for the sport.
Pleased with Steve Simon and the @WTA for following by means of…hoping the remainder of the powers of tennis, different sports activities, and even companies observe go well with….Now, let’s consider discovering Peng Shuai… https://t.co/H06teH4M6v
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) December 2, 2021
“Sadly, the management in China has not addressed this very severe subject in any credible means,” Simon mentioned within the bombshell announcement final week, admitting to “severe doubts” that Peng is “free, secure and never topic to censorship, coercion and intimidation.”
“The WTA has been clear on what is required right here, and we repeat our name for a full and clear investigation – with out censorship – into Peng Shuai’s sexual assault accusation,” he added.
“If highly effective individuals can suppress the voices of girls and sweep allegations of sexual assault underneath the rug, then the premise on which the WTA was based – equality for ladies – would endure an immense setback.”
Former world primary Sharapova has now responded to Simon’s calls for and provided her backing to the WTA’s daring transfer.
“She was a colleague and a rival of mine,” the winner of 5 Grand Slam titles informed CNBC.
Maria #Sharapova: "I hope and pray that she(Peng Shuai) her household are secure and properly"
half of
(🎥 CNBC By way of @TennisTerrasse)#FreePengShuai #WhereIsPengShuai pic.twitter.com/6vI3datsCv— Sharapova Information (@NewsSharapova) December 6, 2021
Effectively mentioned, @MariaSharapova . Standing up for what is correct over the #PengShuai debacle. #WTA
— Richard Ingham Evans (@Ringham7) December 7, 2021
“I clearly hope and pray that she and her household are secure and properly. I’ve really been extremely impressed by how the the WTA has stood up and taken a stance.
“It was a corporation that I might been part of for a few years, so seeing Steve Simon do the fitting factor has been great.
“I consider individuals earlier than I consider enterprise. I consider the human aspect and the human facet. That is why I am in full assist of the tour.”
Peng’s accusations had been made towards Zhang Gaoli, a high-ranking member of the Chinese language Communist Celebration earlier than his current retirement.
The 35-year-old ex-doubles champion outlined a harrowing alleged marketing campaign of abuse and manipulation by Zhang, now 75, lasting a number of years.
The Worldwide Tennis Federation mentioned this week that it’s going to not axe tournaments in China as a result of it doesn’t need to “publish a billion individuals”.