Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Steve Simon: Who is the WTA boss taking on China?

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Thursday, 02 December 2021 12:02

The first words of the brief profile page about Steve Simon in his organisation's media handbook are quite telling.

"From day one ... an instigator of change".

The chief executive of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has been widely praised for putting principles above pockets in suspending all of its tournaments in China amid concern for Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai.

And maybe no-one should be surprised - the 66-year-old American's ethos has long been about 'the right thing to do', even if it has previously been in a much quieter way.

So, just who is the man taking on China because the case of Peng - who disappeared from public view for three weeks after accusing a top Chinese official of sexual assault - is "bigger than business"?

Tennis player and innovator

Born in California, Simon took up tennis at the age of 10 and went on to play college tennis at Long Beach State.

He qualified for the mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 1981 where he lost in the first round alongside compatriot Lea Antonoplis.

After graduating he moved into coaching and then sports sponsorship and sales, joining the Indian Wells event in 1989 and eventually becoming its tournament director in 2004.

He held that role for 12 years, overseeing innovations such as the becoming the first tournament to introduce Hawk-Eye video replay technology on all of its courts in 2011.

And he helped turn the joint men's and women's event into 'the fifth major' - behind only the four Grand Slams in terms of prestige, and one of the most popular with players.

Listener and supporter

When he left Indian Wells to take up the top job at the WTA, his appointment was backed by WTA founder Billie Jean King, who described him as "thoughtful, respectful", and was supported by top players Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki.

Williams in particular had at that point experienced Simon's reputation of helping players.

The American 23-time Grand Slam champion had boycotted Indian Wells for 14 years after suffering racist abuse before eventually returning to the event in 2015, with Simon heavily involved in persuading her back.

"When I returned to Indian Wells this year Steve could not have been more helpful, professional and supportive," Williams said at the time. "I know how much he cares about the opinions of the players. He's a good listener and he has our best interests in mind."

Simon also backed up Williams' claim of sexism in the way she was treated by umpire Carlos Ramos during the 2018 US Open final, saying the matter had brought up the question of "whether different standards are applied to men and women" in officiating.

And at the 2019 French Open he spoke out about what he called the "unfair and inappropriate" decision to bump the women's semi-final matches off the main court after weather disruption to the schedule.

His support of his players has not always been without controversy, though.

When Maria Sharapova returned from a drug ban in 2017, the decision to award her wildcards to tournaments was criticised by some players but Simon defended it, saying it was in keeping with how former dopers are treated in other sports.

Negotiator and businessman - with a conscience

Not only has Simon looked after players' interests in terms of welfare, their finances have improved too.

When Ashleigh Barty received a record $4.42m for winning the 2019 WTA Finals in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, it was the largest prize ever awarded in men's and women's tennis.

That was part of a huge expansion of the tour into Asia that he negotiated and which included a 10-year deal for Shenzhen to host the season-ending event.

At the time Simon described the deal as "easily the largest and most significant Finals deal in the 45 years since the WTA was founded" - and it is now at the heart of the financial repercussions if it leaves China permanently.

He has admitted he is worried about the cost implications but that "this is something that we simply cannot walk away from".

"If we walk away from what we have requested, what we are telling the world is [that] not addressing sexual assault with the respect and seriousness that it requires is OK, and it is just not."

In response, China has said it "opposes the politicisation of sports".

Simon's skills as a businessman and negotiator may yet face their stiffest challenge in the weeks and months ahead.

Read 228 times

Soccer

Alves reports for weekly Barcelona court visit

Alves reports for weekly Barcelona court visit

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Brazil footballer Dani Alves on Thursday checked in at a Bar...

Fulham stadium plans include rooftop pool

Fulham stadium plans include rooftop pool

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFulham have unveiled lavish plans for their redeveloped Riverside S...

Liverpool, Utd campaign to combat tragedy abuse

Liverpool, Utd campaign to combat tragedy abuse

EmailPrintLiverpool and Manchester United have jointly launched an education programme through their...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

Basketball

MPJ defends brother amid betting investigation

MPJ defends brother amid betting investigation

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDenver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. said Wednesday night that...

Rockets, with play-in in sight, win 10th straight

Rockets, with play-in in sight, win 10th straight

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOKLAHOMA CITY -- Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, front offic...

Baseball

'He looks happy': Has Juan Soto finally found a home with the Yankees?

'He looks happy': Has Juan Soto finally found a home with the Yankees?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWHEN JUAN SOTO began to initiate himself with the New York Yankees,...

Athletics' Andújar has surgery, could miss month

Athletics' Andújar has surgery, could miss month

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOAKLAND, Calif. -- Athletics outfielder Miguel Andujar had surgery...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated