Tennis fans voiced their displeasure over the Women's Tennis Association (WTA)'s announcement that the tour will return to China again in 2023, despite continuing concerns regarding Peng Shuai's safety.
The WTA Finals will take place in Fort Worth, Texas, this year; nevertheless, Shenzhen, China, will host the event once more in 2023. Due to the country's contentious treatment of Peng Shuai's charges of sexual assault against a senior Chinese government official, the WTA barred China from holding its tournaments late last year.
After Shuai went missing for two weeks, the authorities quickly suppressed all discussion of the matter in China, sparking international fears for her safety. Since then, Shuai has made a few public appearances, but questions remain over her safety and autonomy. Tennis fans have responded in a variety of ways to the WTA's news that the season-ending tournament will once again take place in China.
"The WTA Finals going back to China??? WTA, more like WTF… Burying this in the middle of a major in a press release about Fort Worth?" wrote one fan.
"Umm what?? How can you put your players back in that country after so much happened especially the way they didn't even bother to reply to WTA about the situation." added another.
The WTA also claimed in their statement that the choice had been made in collaboration with their long-term partner, Gemdale, an organization that specializes in real estate investment and development.
"The year-end finale, featuring the Top 8 singles players and doubles teams in the Race to the WTA Finals, will be held at the state-of-the-art Dickies Arena, with the event thereafter due to return to Shenzhen, China, in cooperation with long-term partner Gemdale." read the statement.
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