Iga Swiatek has shared her opinion on the WTA's recent decision to resume tennis competitions in China this autumn.
On April 13, the WTA released an official statement stating that it would start tennis competitions in China later in 2023. The organisation suspended events in the Asian nation for 16 months after Peng Shuai brought about allegations of sexual assault against high-ranking political figures in the country.
In response to the WTA's decision, certain players have already backed the move and welcome a return to tennis in China this year. World number one Swiatek is the latest player to give her verdict on the situation and she feels it to be the correct one if player safety can be guaranteed.
"I just trust that the WTA is making the right decision. I hope that we, as players, can be safe no matter what country we are from. I don’t have any kind of emotional influence because I have never even been to China. It’s hard for me to say anything, but I just hope that WTA is strategically making a good choice.”
Ahead of the upcoming Stuttgart Open, Swiatek was also asked whether she and her support team have discussed the issue and the prospect of competing in China this season. However, the Polish player explained that it is not on her mind just yet with plenty of high-profile tennis upcoming in the 2023 campaign.
"We haven’t talked about it in the team but the biggest tournaments are going to be there at the end of the year. The calendar is constructed that way, so we kind of have to follow that. But we (my team) have only talked about (our schedule) up until Wimbledon what’s happening."
Swiatek has not played since she lost the Indian Wells semi-final against Elena Rybakina. The WTA number sustained an injury at Indian Wells but is set to return in Stuttgart this week.
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