WTA President and COO Steve Simon mentioned in an interview with The Associated Press that while he didn’t get the guarantees he was hoping for – the possibility that a tour executive could conduct a direct interview with Peng, and a full and independent investigation to shed light on the doubles champion’s allegations – the decision was made in cooperation with the player and tournament officials to return to China.

Our position at the time was appropriate. And we take care of it. But after 16 months we are now convinced that our demands are not being heard. So it no longer makes sense to continue with the same approach.Simon spoke from St. Petersburg, Florida where the WTA offices are located.

We needed a new approach. In this way, our members believe it is time to resume our mission in China, where we still believe we can make a positive impact, as we have for 20 years, while ensuring that we Peng do not give up. By returning (to China) we hope that we can make progress.

Peng has not seen anyone publicly since his controlled appearances at the Beijing Olympics in February 2022, Simon told the WTA has received guarantees from her entourage, with whom we are in contact, that she is safe and living in Beijing with her family.

He added that the circuit had received assurances that this was the case from the Chinese Tennis Association, the governing body for the sport in the country There will be no problems with our athletes and staff during our tournaments in the region.

Simon said that change is on the way a business decision and remembered it The vast majority of athletes supported the decision to go back there… and felt it was time to do so.

The portion of the schedule that will take place in China should be announced within a few weeks, Simon said. It starts in September and includes the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, as well as other stopovers similar to those of 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of many tournaments.

Earlier this month, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced the resumption of its tournaments in China.