By David Kirton

SHENZHEN (China) – Shenzhen, China’s technology center, was expected to host the Women’s Tennis Association Finals. However, the Peng Shuai scandal forced the tournament’s suspension.

China’s miracle city is best known for being the launchpad for the country’s 40 year economic transformation. It is also home to many tech companies such as Tencent Holdings and Huawei Technologies (OTC).

Steve Simon, chairman of the WTA, stated that Shenzhen was the winner over rival bids from St Petersburg (previous host Singapore), Prague, St Petersburg, St Petersburg and St Petersburg in order to organize what it called the “largest and most important WTA Finals ever” according to the CEO.

A city with more than 17,000,000 people, Hong Kong promised to build a stadium of world-class standard. Gemdale Corp, a local realty developer, raised $14 million to win the prize money. This is twice the amount of previous finals. The right to host the event in 2019-2028.

Simon, however, announced early in the month that tournaments would be suspended in China by the WTA due to the treatment of Peng Shuai (former No.1 Doubles player), who had been accused of sexual assault in China’s past Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli. [L1N2SN04V]

Simon declared, saying, “Unless China follows the steps we have demanded, we can’t put our players or staff at risk by staging events in China.” He took a position that won support from the tennis world but embarrased Beijing as Beijing prepares for hosting the Winter Olympics.

China’s international sporting ambitions contrast with western critique of Beijing’s authoritarianism. Doubt about the tournament’s fate highlights this conflict. A small number of nations led by America have announced that they are boycotting the Olympics diplomatically. That means that the countries won’t be sending government officials to Rio.

China hosted nine WTA Events in 2019, however, WTA officials confirmed that the Shenzhen Open season-opening event, which is a distinct from WTA Finals and China Open, would not be taking place during the first half in 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China was virtually closed to all international visitors. [L4N2SS1I0]

According to a spokesperson from the Shenzhen government, he was not sure if the WTA will return. WTA, based in Florida, stated that it was hopeful that China will do as it requested and allow for direct communication with Peng.

A spokesperson stated that “This is why it is a suspension here, and not a cancellation.” 

SERVE IMPROVED

The WTA Finals in Shenzhen were to boost Shenzhen’s cultural and sporting reputation.

The official report says that Chen Rugui (then-mayor) personally encouraged Simon to host the finals in Shenzhen. According to Chen Rugui’s statement, the tournament would allow “take sports to the next level”.

Chinese media was effusive.

According to the Shenzhen Evening News, “It’s more than just a big event for Chinese fans of tennis and it’s a wonderful chance for Shenzhen become an internationally-renowned name.”

WTA Finals are the most prestigious event for women after four Grand Slams. The Shenzhen prize cash was $5M more than the men’s equivalent ATP Finals. This ensures a high-profile draw. The first Shenzhen WTA Finals was won by Ashleigh Barty, Australia’s World No.1.

Mark Dreyer, China Sports Insider, stated that “it’s the largest tournament other than the Grand Slams. It’s huge, it is massive.

POLITICAL GOODWILL

Shenzhen’s hopes for tennis also highlighted the convergence in China between property and sports.

Companies linked to the realty sector include the Kaisa Group which is Shenzhen’s owner, and China Evergrande Group which has a debt-strapped China Evergrande Group. Nine out of 16 Chinese top soccer league teams are owned majority by these companies.

Gemdale, the sponsor of this tournament, has several facilities for tennis in Shenzhen, including an “international training academy”.

Dreyer explained that the Shenzhen government is their political partner and that their business model doesn’t seek to get back money from ticket sales.

Gemdale did not respond to our request for comment.

According to reports and someone with information, plans are to keep the façade of an 1985 stadium, which is historic according to Shenzhen standards, in a renovation of 3.6 billion Yuan (566 million). This would increase its capacity by 16,000.

According to two sources with information, work is continuing as other events will be hosted at the stadium. It is currently a construction site located in central Futian.