Tennis stars back 'bold' WTA move to suspend China events over Peng

Tennis stars threw their support behind the WTA's move to suspend its tournaments in China over concern for Peng Shuai, as calls grew Thursday for other sports to follow suit.

The women's tennis tour made the decision over what its chairman called enduring "serious doubts" about the safety of Chinese player Peng, who accused a Communist Party leader of sexual assault.

Women's Tennis Association chair and CEO Steve Simon reiterated his calls for China to conduct "a full and transparent investigation – without censorship" into Peng's claim that former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli "forced" her into sex.

The WTA's move to suspend its tournaments in China, including Hong Kong, won the immediate backing of some of the biggest names in tennis, among them men's number one Novak Djokovic and women's tour founder Billie Jean King.

It could potentially cost the WTA hundreds of millions of dollars because China is one of its biggest markets.

Djokovic called the WTA's stance "very bold and very courageous", while 12-time Grand Slam singles winner King tweeted that the WTA "is on the right side of history."

Tennis great Martina Navratilova directly challenged the International Olympic Committee to respond, writing on Twitter that "so far I can barely hear you!!!"

China will host the Beijing Winter Olympics in February.

"This is a brave stance by Steve Simon and the WTA where we put principle above $ and stand up for women everywhere and particularly for Peng Shuai," added Navratilova.

Pam Shriver, another retired tennis star and now a prominent commentator, urged other organisations to follow the WTA's lead.