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Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai plays during the second round of the U.S.Open tennis championships in 2019. The Women's Tennis Association says they are canceling all tournaments in China after Peng Shuai was silenced after revealing her sexual assault. Michael Owens/AP hide caption
Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai plays during the second round of the U.S.Open tennis championships in 2019. The Women's Tennis Association says they are canceling all tournaments in China after Peng Shuai was silenced after revealing her sexual assault.
Michael Owens/APChinese tennis star Peng Shuai made an assault allegation in November, then disappeared from the public eye. She has since re-emerged, but in protest of her treatment, the Women's Tennis Association's has now suspended all tournaments in China.
That decision by the WTA could cost the organization and its players hundreds of millions of dollars, maybe more, in revenue. And it's the threat of losing that kind of money that usually keeps most professional sports organizations — like the NBA — treading lightly in response to China.
NPR correspondent Tom Goldman has been following the story and looks at how the WTA's unflinching support for Peng may inspire a wider outcry over China's actions.
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This episode was produced by Jonaki Mehta. It was edited by Ashley Brown and Lee Hale with help from Russell Lewis. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.
