Billie Jean King is fully supportive of the moves made by the WTA in support of Peng Shuai and their decision to suspend events in China.

The 12-time singles Slam champion founded the WTA back in 1973, with the organisation set to enter its 49th tour season.

Now, the saga involving Peng Shuai and her accusations of sexual assault against former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli has put the WTA up against a huge ethical test.

And King is very happy with how the organisation and it’s leaders have stepped up in the face of that test.

“I’m very happy the WTA stood for her,” King said at the Sports Illustrated awards.

“There will be a lot of challenges ahead of us, but standing up for human rights and [against] abuse is really important.

“I founded the organisation in 1973, so I’m really proud of us. I’m glad that the women are standing up for what’s right. The main thing is that she’s safe and I hope she’s all right.”

Peng Shuai has been contacted directly only twice, both times by the IOC, the only organisation outside of China to have gotten a hold of the two-time doubles Slam champion.

WTA CEO Steve Simon has reported that he has attempted to contact Shuai since she made her accusations on 2nd November, as have many former and current WTA players.

Until Chinese officials acknowledge the allegations levelled by Shuai and treat them with the attention and seriousness they deserve, the WTA has stated that they will keep up their suspension of events in the region indefinitely.