The boss of world tennis feels assured about Peng Shuai’s security after chatting with the Chinese tennis star and doesn’t imagine the nation must be prevented from staging tournaments.
International Tennis Federation (ITF) President David Haggerty instructed Sky News that China stays a “very, very important market” and coronavirus restrictions have been the explanation for his organisation withdrawing occasions slightly than a protest in opposition to the nation’s management.
The tennis world has been divided over enjoying in China since final 12 months, when Peng made accusations of sexual assault in opposition to a high-ranking Chinese Communist Party official that she later claimed have been a “misunderstanding“.
The Women’s Tennis Association in December introduced a suspension of all tournaments in China over considerations in regards to the therapy of the previous doubles world primary.
But the boys’s ATP Tour has solely withdrawn occasions from China resulting from COVID-19 entry challenges – a stance the ITF holds because the umbrella organisation for world tennis.
Mr Haggerty mentioned he spoke to Peng about six weeks in the past, and so they additionally keep involved by electronic mail.
“I felt good with my conversation with Peng and… that’s why I continue to stay in touch,” Mr Haggerty instructed Sky News.
“It’d be nice to see her face to face and I’m looking forward to that, when I’m able to travel to China for the events, and when she’s able to travel outside of China, as well.
“So from my perspective, I believe that tennis must be performed, particularly by juniors (in China). We need our sport to have the ability to develop and develop and China’s a really, crucial market.”
Although entry restrictions have been eased for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics earlier this 12 months, abroad travellers going to China must spend seven days in a centralised quarantine facility adopted by three at a house.
“The ITF feels that events can take place in China as the restrictions are now hopefully going to be lifted,” Mr Haggerty mentioned.
“In 2023, there will be junior events, senior events, our competitions taking place in China, when the COVID restrictions are relieved.”
Djokovic to overlook US Open
Mr Haggerty was talking from New York forward of the US Open, the place former world primary Novak Djokovic won’t be looking for a twenty second Grand Slam title resulting from his lack of coronavirus vaccines stopping entry to the nation.
“It’s a difficult situation… Novak understands the rules and respects them,” Mr Haggerty mentioned. “It’s up to each government that has these rules that they enforce and policies that they have in place.
“It’s unlucky. We see what a terrific competitor and the way profitable Novak has been this 12 months. And I do know greater than something he wish to be on the US Open.”
Emma Raducanu can be at Flushing Meadows to defend the title she sensationally received final 12 months as a qualifier, and the English star was drawn on Thursday to face France’s Alize Cornet within the first spherical.
Mr Haggerty mentioned: “Everyone likes to see someone they can emulate, someone that they can have as a role model – and she certainly does that for many, many young girls around the world.”
The ITF launched its monetary report on Thursday for 2021 that confirmed the organisation is rebounding after being hit by coronavirus cancellations in 2020.
Operating revenue nearly doubled to $66.6m (£56m), nonetheless adrift of the $88.7m (£75m) generated in 2019.
Looking to the subsequent technology of gamers, the ITF’s Junior Tennis Initiative noticed a bounce of 23% within the variety of gamers underneath the age of 14 launched to the game with 213,212 taking part within the international programme final 12 months.
Source: information.sky.com”