Peng was interviewed by a pro-Beijing news outlet and retracted her initial allegations.18-time Grand Slam titlist Navratilova first Tweeted about the incidents, saying “that’s just pathetic. The WTA stands pretty much alone on this!!! #WhereisPengShuai”
She then spoke on the Tennis Channel to discuss the matter further. Navratilova said “sport has always been on the forefront of social issues, pushing them forward, and we are going backwards I feel … I find it really, really cowardly.
“This is not a political statement, this is a human rights statement. And chances are Peng Shuai may be playing here but, she couldn’t get out of the country? Anyway, I think they’re wrong on this.
“The WTA has been so strong on this issue … and the players, really taking a chance on their pocket book. The ATP was pretty weak on this. The IOC, well we know where they are.
“And just really capitulating on this issue from the Aussies, letting China dictate what they do at their own slam. For their own player, a player who has played there before. I just find this really weak.”
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