After a four-year hiatus, professional tennis in China resumes as the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) lifts the boycott against Peng Shuai.

The Women’s Tennis Association will be hosting seven tournaments in China over the next six weeks, marking the return of elite women’s tennis after a four-year hiatus.

In 2020, the WTA had to cancel tournaments in China because of travel restrictions caused by COVID-19. In December 2021, the WTA decided to suspend events in China due to concerns about the well-being of Peng Shuai, a Grand Slam doubles champion. Peng Shuai had accused a high-ranking Chinese government official of sexual assault.

After the accusation against former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli briefly surfaced on Peng’s verified Weibo account and was quickly deleted, she disappeared from public view. The post’s screenshots were widely circulated online, causing politicians, fellow tennis players, and the WTA to express concern for Peng’s safety.

The WTA stated that it would postpone its return until a representative from the tour could have a meeting with Peng and conduct a thorough investigation into her allegations.

Although neither of these two requirements were fulfilled, the WTA declared in April its intention to come back to China this year. This decision was made after receiving assurances from individuals close to Peng that she was in a secure and healthy state. They also believed that returning to China would lead to greater advancements compared to staying away.

Peng achieved significant victories in doubles, triumphing at Wimbledon in 2013 and the French Open in 2014. Her most notable performance in singles at a Grand Slam was reaching the semifinals at the U.S. Open in 2014. She secured an impressive total of 23 WTA titles in doubles and two in singles, proudly representing China in three Summer Olympics.

PHOTOS: Four years later, professional tennis resumes in China after WTA ends Peng Shuai boycott

In April, WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon stated that the organization’s choice to go back to China was made after consulting and receiving input from players and tournament officials.

“I cannot reword”

Alize Cornet, a seasoned tour veteran, is among those who do not agree. She was among the first players to show support for Peng under the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai and has announced on her social media profiles that she will not be traveling to China this year.

Cornet stated that she will not be participating in China this year, as she remains committed to her beliefs and prioritizes her health.

In the past, about 10 women’s tournaments were held each year in China, generating millions of dollars in revenue for the WTA and offering some of the highest prize money purses on the tour for the players.

This season there will be seven events held across China, starting with WTA 250 tournaments at the Guangzhou Open from Sep. 18 followed by the Ningbo Open from Sep. 25.

The China Open, a WTA and ATP 1000 event, follows from Sept. 28 and will see 2023 U.S. Open finalist, Aryna Sabalenka, debut as the new world No. 1. The woman she replaced at No. 1 after 75 weeks, Iga Swiatek will also be competing at the event, alongside newly-crowned U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula.

Naomi Osaka, the reigning champion of 2019, will not be participating as she is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to her first child in July. The former No. 1-ranked player, who has won four Grand Slam titles, has expressed her plans to make a comeback at the Australian Open in January. It is worth mentioning that she emerged victorious in the Australian Open in both 2019 and 2021.

In October, the tour will proceed to the WTA 500 Zhengzhou Open and WTA 250 Hong Kong, with both tournaments commencing on October 9th. The WTA 250 Jiangxi Open will take place the following week, followed by the conclusion of the Asia swing at the season-ending WTA Elite Trophy tournament in Zhuhai from October 24th. Sabalenka emerged victorious in the last edition of this tournament in 2019.