ITF backs WTA by suspending all events in China over Peng Shuai situation

According to credible reports, the ITF made a last-minute U-turn on its stance regarding the Peng Shuai situation by deciding to back the WTA and suspend all ITF events in the country next year.

Initially the organization said it will continue to mintor the situation unwilling to ban all events in the country in order to preserve the game of tennis. The decision kind of made sense as the organization handles mostly junior events that allows aspiring young tennis players and kids from all around the world take part in a competitive format with prizes.

However, the organization seems to be making a U-turn on that by electing to suspend all events in the country until the situation gets resolved. The change of heart is being reported by Reuters although no official announcement has been made as of the writing of this article. A source was quoted in the report by Reuters as saying:

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"No men's or women's ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments are scheduled to be played in China in 2022," a source told the publication, without directly stating that it was to do with the Peng Shuai case."

When the official announcement will be made remains to be seen and how China responds to another ban will be interesting to observe. Perhaps they will allow Peng to speak with the WTA Chief Steve Simon in person as until now she was unable to.