Australian Open: tennis bosses ‘cowards’ to ban Peng Shuai shirts, are ‘capitulating’ to China, Navratilova says
- Organisers say Chinese player’s well-being remains their ‘primary concern’ after Navratilova comments
- Peng has disappeared from public view since accusing former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault
Martina Navratilova has accused Australian Open organisers of “capitulating” to China over the banning of T-shirts supporting Peng Shuai.
Spectators at Melbourne Park were instructed to remove T-shirts and banners bearing the slogan “Where is Peng Shuai?”, drawing attention to the predicament of the Chinese player.
Tennis Australia said it did not allow “clothing, banners or signs that are commercial or political” but that it continued to work with the WTA in seeking clarity on the situation.
There has been significant concern for the well-being of the former world doubles No 1 since early November, when Peng disappeared from public view after taking to social media to accuse former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault.
She has since been seen several times, including giving a television interview, but her situation remains unclear.
Navratilova, who won 18 grand slams during her storied career, said on Tennis Channel: “Sports has always been kind of on the forefront of social issues, pushing them forward, and we are going backwards I feel.
“We’ve had the issue with Peng Shuai, and now there were fans at the tournament watching Naomi Osaka practise, they weren’t even on the main court, they had ‘Where is Peng Shuai’ on their T-shirt and they were told to cover it up.
“I find it really, really cowardly. This is not a political statement, this is a human rights statement. Kind of really capitulating on this issue from the Aussies and letting the Chinese really dictate what they do at their own slam. I just find it really weak.”
WTA ‘not satisfied’ by China tennis star Peng Shuai’s sex claim denial
Tennis Australia reiterated its stance on Monday, adding that Peng’s safety remained its “primary concern”.
“We continue to work with the WTA and the global tennis community to do everything we can to ensure [Peng’s] well-being. Our work is ongoing and through the appropriate channels,” a spokesman said in a statement to Reuters.
Following the incident, activists launched a fundraising appeal to print 1,000 T-shirts to distribute to fans attending the women’s singles final at Melbourne Park this weekend.
Olympics committee has ‘no certainties’ to give in Peng Shuai case
France’s Alize Cornet, who was the first player to publicly highlight her concerns regarding Peng, said of the T-shirt incident: “When I heard that, I was surprised. I think that everybody should be able to manifest their support to Peng Shuai.”
The WTA has taken a strong stance in support of Peng, suspending tournaments in China, which has grown to be its most significant market.
“It’s still very unsure how she’s doing but I think the fact to put some lights on this story was good for her overall,” Cornet said. “Now we are of course all waiting for more details that we don’t have so far, but we keep our fingers crossed.”
