Peng Shuai case: message to WTA increases concern
Where is Peng Shuai ? This question is currently worrying the tennis world - and a message from the Chinese state media increases concerns.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Nov 17, 2021, 09:39 pm
After Peng Shuai's allegations that a top Chinese politician was forced to have sex, concerns about her well-being remain high. After her post was deleted by the Chinese side , nobody heard from Peng, including tennis colleagues.
Now an alleged message has emerged from Peng in which Peng denies the allegations of sexual violence. She has neither disappeared nor is she unsure; she is at home and everything is fine. She hopes to continue promoting tennis in China.
The news was spread by Chinese state media, adding to concerns about Peng.
WTA and its connections to China
Several players from the tennis scene had spoken out in the past few days and asked for an explanation from the WTA; Tour boss Steve Simon had turned to China with very clear words - without success.
"Suspend all deals with China until you are visually convinced of the well-being of Peng Shuai, in the context of a livestream interview," demanded the British player Heather Watson in the evening.
Naomi Osaka also recently spoke up. "I am shocked by the current situation and I send her love and light," she wrote.
The WTA has established more and more connections to China in recent years, including a ten-year deal for the WTA Finals in Shenzhen.
Steve Simon: "Need independent and credible evidence that she is fine"
Steve Simon spoke up again on Wednesday evening after the alleged news from Peng. "The Chinese state media's statement regarding Peng Shuai only adds to my concerns about her safety and wellbeing," wrote Simon. "I find it hard to believe that Peng Shuai actually wrote this email that we received or thinks what is ascribed to her in it." Peng had shown incredible courage to have made their allegations. "The WTA and the rest of the world need independent and credible evidence that they are fine."
He tried several times to reach Peng through numerous channels - without success.
Various players and media representatives are calling for further clarification under the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai.