WTA’s Peng Shuai climbdown sees Hong Kong Tennis Open return in October after 5-year hiatus
- Hong Kong tennis chief Philip Mok welcomes WTA’s decision to end 16-month boycott of events in China over safety concerns surrounding Peng
- ‘Restarting this mega sport event will also help Hong Kong fully regain its vibrancy and re-establish ourselves as a major international hub,’ Mok says
In the wake of the WTA’s climbdown over safety concerns surrounding Chinese player Peng Shuai, the women’s Hong Kong Open is set to return to the city after a five-year hiatus.
The Women’s Tennis Association Tour event will be held at Victoria Park in October, with an exact date to be announced soon.
HKTA president Philip Mok Kwan-yet told the Post he “welcomed” the move, and said he “did not agree” with the WTA’s 16-month boycott of China.
“We support this decision [to lift the suspension],” he said. “Together with the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions, fans can once again enjoy world class professional tennis.
“Restarting this mega sport event will also help Hong Kong to fully regain its vibrancy and re-establish ourselves as a major international hub.”
The WTA suspended tennis competition in China in 2021 after Peng Shuai, a former doubles world No 1 from China, made accusations of sexual assault against former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli.