The Stuttgart WTA tournament has started with a smattering of first-round matches but the focus was very much on the controversy surrounding Chinese player Peng Shuai.
The women’s tennis tour announced last week that it would return to holding tournaments in China from September having suspended operations there in 2021.
The suspension followed the case of Peng, who appeared to accuse a senior Chinese politician of sexual abuse only to disappear for a short time and then deny she had made such an allegation, with the social media post deleted.
Fellow Chinese player Zheng Qinwen beat American Alycia Parks 6-4 6-4 on Monday to book a second round tie with defending champion and world No.1 Iga Swaitek, who had a first-round bye.
But she was then peppered with questions about Peng and the WTA.
“I think she is doing pretty well in China and has a normal life. But honestly, I don’t know how she’s doing. I’m focusing more on myself,” she said.
Human rights campaigners fear Peng was coerced into recanting her original allegations.
Chinese money is important to the WTA and its players, with Germany’s Tatjana Maria having no qualms about returning to the country.
“I think it is of course important that we talk about Peng Shuai and that we make sure she is OK,” she said.
“The option of playing in China is good for us players, it means more tournaments and more possibilities.”
The tournament begins in earnest on Tuesday, with the likes of Coco Gauff and Karolina Pliskova in action.
In-form Petra Kvitova will not take part after pulling out with a foot injury.
There are no Australian players in the event.
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