Women's pro tennis resuming China events after player said in 2021 assaulted by top CCP official

The women's professional tennis tour said Thursday it will resume hosting tournaments in China this year – after a boycott that began in 2021 over concerns about former player Peng Shuai safety after she alleged being sexually assaulted by a high-ranking Chinese government official.

WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon acknowledge to the Associated Press in making the announcement that the group never got its requested opportunity to meet with Peng and a full investigation into her accusations. However, he said the decision to return to China was made with input from player and tournament representatives.

"The stance that we took at the time was appropriate," he told the wire service. "And we stand by that. But 16 months into this, we're convinced that our requests will not be met. And to continue with the same strategy doesn't make sense. So we needed to look at a different approach."

He cited the WTA's belief it can "continue to make a positive difference" in China while also making sure the 37-year-old Peng, a Grand Slam double champion "is not forgotten."

There have been no reported sightings of Peng since what appeared to be her carefully orchestrated appearances during the Beijing Olympics in February 2022.

However, Simon says the WTA has received assurances from people who are close to her that she is safe and living with her family in Beijing, the wire service also reports.