The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has suspended tournaments in China, with immediate effect, over the government's censorship of sexual assault allegations made by Chinese tennis player, Peng Shuai. 

Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO, in a statement issued over the cancellation of tournaments, said, "As a result, and with the full support of the WTA Board of Directors, I am announcing the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong. In good conscience, I don’t see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault. Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2022."

I have been gratified by the massive amount of international support the WTA has received for its position on this matter. To further protect Peng and many other women throughout the world, it is more urgent than ever for people to speak out. The WTA will do everything possible to protect its players. As we do so, I hope leaders around the world will continue to speak out so justice can be done for Peng, and all women, no matter the financial ramifications.

Last month,  Steve Simon had questioned the authenticity of an email, released by Chinese State Media, from tennis player Peng Shuai.

Peng went missing after making sexual assault allegations against a Chinese government official on social media two weeks ago. In a statement, Chairman of the WTA Steve Simon said, "I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her."