The Women’s Tennis Association’s decision to pull events out of China is an unprecedented statement in support of Peng Shuai and women’s rights — in part because it could cost the association and its players hundreds of millions of dollars.
Peng, 35, one of China's most celebrated tennis players, alleged last month that she'd been sexually assaulted by a high-ranking Communist Party official. Chinese authorities moved swiftly to erase the allegation, rather than investigate. And for weeks, Peng disappeared from public view.
She has since reappeared, but on Wednesday WTA chairman Steve Simon said he still has “serious doubts that she is free, safe and not subject to censorship, coercion and intimidation.