By Daily Sports on December 3, 2021

The ATP has been criticised for not joining the WTA in suspending tournaments in China amid continued concern for Peng Shuai.

The WTA said it was concerned about risks players and staff could face if it went ahead with events in China.

An ATP statement said the body believes “having a global presence gives us the best chance of creating opportunity and making an impact”.

Martina Navratilova was among those to criticise the ATP’s stance.

Peng, 35, disappeared from public view for three weeks after accusing a top Chinese official of sexual assault.

The WTA suspended tournaments in China, one of its most lucrative markets, because of concern for Peng’s safety on Wednesday. The International Olympic Committee later said it held a second video call with Peng but shared in concern for her safety.

There had been calls for the men’s ATP Tour to adopt a similar response to the WTA, but it stopped short of suspending tournaments in a statement released on Thursday.

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “The situation involving Peng Shuai continues to raise serious concerns within and beyond our sport.

“The response to those concerns has so far fallen short.

“We will continue to consult with our members and monitor any developments as this issue evolves.”

The statement has been criticised by some for not going far enough.

Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Navratilova tweeted: “Are we to understand that the ATP would have made the same statement had the player been a male? Somehow I think not.”

Former world number one Andy Roddick said the statement showed “how to say a lot of words and say nothing” while American compatriot Mardy Fish asked: “That’s a statement?”

Britain’s Liam Broady, who tweeted on Thursday asking for “a united response across all organisations” also criticised the ATP.

The sport’s governing body, the International Tennis Federation, also said it would “continue to support all efforts” to address Peng’s allegation. (BBC)

•PHOTO: Peng

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 3, 2021

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