By putting the interests of its athletes before financial gains, the Women’s Tennis Association has set a powerful precedent
It is rare for a sports governing body to put the interests of its athletes before financial gain; To show that principles matter more than their own annual purse. But the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has set a strong example. Postponing tournaments in China and Hong Kong due to ongoing concerns about one of its former stars, Peng Shuai, it has taken a bold stand against an authoritarian regime in the face. WTA CEO Steve Simon said, “If powerful people can stifle women’s voices and press charges of sexual harassment down the rug, then the premise on which the WTA was founded – equality for women – needs to be taken as a It’ll be a big blow.” It seems the WTA has listened to women everywhere. It feels like a victory 36 feet ahead of the baseline.
display true leadership
On November 2, China’s Grand Slam doubles champion Ms. Peng accused a former government official of sexual harassment. Her social media post detailing the attack disappeared within minutes. And soon after, Ms. Peng did the same.
Ms. Peng is part of the ‘Golden Flowers’ – leading Chinese players in the top ranks of world tennis. Several athletes, including Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, have spoken out in support of Ms Peng, though to varying degrees. Most hoped for her welfare, but only a few openly mentioned “censorship” or “sexual assault”. This is important: Most of the players, who are themselves global brands, would not want to jeopardize their business interests in China.
This is why the WTA’s move to completely split is unprecedented. China is a growing market for the sport and a developing frontier for women’s tennis. In 2018, the WTA signed a great deal to host their coveted year-end tour finals in Shenzhen for 10 years. The buyout was expected to generate nearly a billion dollars in revenue for a game that is now struggling financially. It was Mr. Simon who negotiated the deal with China, which was seen as a crown jewel in his six years as WTA chief. Organizing this exit may also have come at the cost of personal pride, extending his years of work in the Asia-Pacific landscape. Putting principles above profit, he has shown exceptional commitment and concern for players and their rights. In 2015, she touted the return of Ms Williams at Indian Wells, a tournament she boycotted for more than a decade. Ms Williams then noted that Mr Simon “cares about players’ opinions”. In seeking not only assurances from China that Ms. Peng is safe, but also demanding a transparent and uncensored investigation of her allegations, she has proved to be arguably the bravest administrator in tennis. The chances of any of these demands being met are slim. But when faced with uncertainty and setbacks, Mr. Simon showed true leadership. “We as a world have to start making decisions based on right and wrong – period,” he said.
it’s late for the game
This is in stark contrast to other sports organizations. The men’s tour, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), has yet to announce the suspension of tennis in China, backing the WTA’s stance. The name of the country was not even mentioned in its statement. As former world No. 1 Andy Roddick pointed out, it was a classic example of “how to say a lot of words and say nothing”. Indeed, the ATP has a track record of being late in the game – it took a year to launch an investigation into domestic violence allegations against star player Alexander Zverev. It recently introduced a policy on sexual misconduct.
Another sports federation, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is following its form of ‘quiet diplomacy’, releasing photos of a video call with Ms Peng, showing she is in good spirits. It was barely weeks before the torch was lit for the Winter Olympics in Beijing, looking like a poor publicity stunt. The IOC has failed to realize that it is not quiet diplomacy that is the need of the hour, but a loud call to action.
For the WTA, this is a moment of crisis, but also a moment of reckoning and opportunity. Ten events were to be played in China in 2022. Now the challenge will be to find new markets. The Tour Finals was held this year in Mexico due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The dividend will be very small. But the WTA must continue to believe in its players. It should continue to have players’ rights as its main objective and prioritize values over revenue. Ms. Peng said in her note, “Even if it’s like an egg hitting a rock, or if I’m like an insect drawn to a flame inviting self-destruction, I’ll tell you the truth about ” The WTA must continue to give its players the voice they deserve.
preeti.r@thehindu.co.in
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