The WTA has confirmed that the end-of-season championships will be held at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth from October 31 to November 7.

The governing body for women’s tennis also revealed that the WTA Finals is due to return to Shenzhen "thereafter."

Shenzhen last staged the season finale, featuring the top eight women’s singles players, in 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to be cancelled in 2020 and was cited again as the reason behind the WTA’s decision to move last year’s edition to Guadalajara in Mexico.

The WTA agreed in December 2021 to suspend all events in China in 2022 in response to concerns over the welfare of Peng Shuai.

Peng alleged in November last year that Zhang Gaoli, a former senior vice-premier and high-ranking member of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, had sexually assaulted her 10 years ago. 

The Weibo post was deleted within 20 minutes.

There was global concern when Peng was reportedly not seen for more than two weeks.

The Chinese player reportedly retracted the allegations in December, which she repeated during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

The WTA has repeatedly demanded a "full, fair and transparent investigation" into Peng’s allegations.

insidethegames understands that the WTA is hopeful of holding events in China next year with plans to stage the WTA Finals in Shenzhen but this will be based on assurances over the Peng situation.

The Dickies Arena in Fort Worth has been chosen to host this year’s season finale due to its "proven track record of hosting world-class sporting and entertainment events," according to the WTA.

"We are excited to bring the WTA’s showpiece tournament back to the United States for the first time since 2005," said Steve Simon, the chairman and chief executive of the WTA.

"This location and venue for the 2022 WTA Finals will provide a fantastic experience for players and fans alike and offer a fitting finale as another exciting season on the Hologic WTA Tour comes to a close."