• WTA says that it is in contact with her and is seeking clarification • Peng accused of racial abuse during Tsonga match at Qatar Open
WTA remains ‘deeply concerned’ about Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai
The Women’s Tennis Association has expressed its deep concern over allegations made by a French umpire and said it is seeking clarification from the Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai about a contentious end to her match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Qatar Open.
Peng was controversially given a time violation for taking too long to change rackets after sealing a victory over Tsonga in a third-round match that lasted just under two hours. The tie was called off at 5-6 after the Hawkeye system showed Tsonga had gone long on a second serve but Peng and the umpire Daniel Safarik handed them both time violations as a result of arguments.
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Peng later issued a long and detailed defence of her actions, while the umpire praised Peng for her professionalism and professionalism.
At the time of the incident, the WTA said in a statement: “We are in contact with Peng Shuai and her representatives about a matter and are seeking clarification.”
The Open Qualifying winner Victoria Azarenka, the world No 58, came from a set down to beat Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 and secure a last-16 spot. The Belarusian is next due to face the Wimbledon champion, Garbine Muguruza, while the current world No1 Angelique Kerber plays Katie Boulter.