ITF statement regarding WTA return to China

Following the news that WTA events will return to China, the International Tennis Federation has released the following statement:

David Haggerty, ITF President, said: “We welcome the WTA’s announcement that their events will return to China. We recently announced that ITF World Tennis Tour events will resume in China in quarter two of this year and anticipate the return of tournaments across all ITF Tours from June 2023. Of course, player health and safety is our main priority and we closely monitor levels of risk in every ITF World Tennis Tour location. We have received reassurance that it is safe for players, their families and teams to compete in China so we are pleased to have resumed our events there.

“Regarding Peng Shuai, while she appears safe and well, we will continue to seek assurances about her ongoing safety and welcome all other organisations’ efforts to support her, both publicly and behind the scenes.

“The ITF’s fundamental purpose is to develop grassroots tennis in 213 countries with different social, economic, and political conditions. By remaining present in China we provide a platform for positive values to be expressed through our sport. It is also essential we continue to provide a pathway for the young and upcoming talent in all countries.”