Top
Peng Shuai Indian Wells 2017

‘We’d like more from the ATP’ – WTA legend calls for Peng Shuai support


Billie Jean King is happy with the stance taken by the WTA in response to the saga of Peng Shuai, but she would like to see more from the ATP.

The WTA took a very robust approach in their defiance of China by suspending all tournaments there and in Hong Kong until they feel Peng Shuai has been adequately respected and her accusations acted on by Chinese officials.

And 39-time Major champion King is fully in support of that action, describing her emotions as “really proud.”

However, King also believes that the ATP could be doing much more in support of the WTA in dealing with the Peng Shuai situation.

“That would be nice, I think we would like more support from the men,” the WTA founder said at the Sports Illustrated awards when asked if she would like to see more from the men’s tour.

“I’ve always wanted men and women to be together in one association. That’s really my dream for us, it always has been.

“We should all work together to help our sport, also off the court, in a more powerful way, more meaningful way.”

While the ATP has put out a statement calling for the chance for open communication between Shuai and the WTA, they have not followed suit with the women’s tour in suspending events in the region.

Instead, they stated they will “continue to consult with our members and monitor any developments as this issue evolves.”

Another WTA legend, Martina Navratilova, called on the ATP directly in what she considered their weak stance on the situation.

“Are we to understand that the ATP would have made the same statement had the player been a male?” She tweeted soon after the ATP statement was released.

“An ATP tour pro? Somehow I think not. #embarassing”

๐ŸŽพ Read >> Breaking tennis news

๐ŸŽพ Follow >> 24/7 LIVE scores

๐ŸŽพ Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter

๐ŸŽพย Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club

๐ŸŽพ Social >>ย Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

๐ŸŽพ Order >> World’s best tennis magazine

๐ŸŽพ Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner