Peng Shuai: Chinese state media claim tennis player has not gone missing but WTA remains concerned

Peng Shuai: Chinese state media claim tennis player has not gone missing but WTA remains concerned

Chinese state media are claiming that tennis player Peng Shuai has not gone missing - and that she is not accusing China's former vice premier of sexually assaulting her.

But WTA (Women's Tennis Association) chair and CEO Steve Simon says he remains extremely concerned about the player's welfare.

Peng has not been seen or heard from publicly since November 2, when she claimed on social media that Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.

That has provoked widespread alarm about her safety - and on Wednesday night Chinese state media released an email which it claims is from Peng to the Women's Tennis Association.

It said: "Hello everyone this is Peng Shuai

"Regarding the recent news released on the official website of the WTA, the content has not been confirmed or verified by myself and it was released without my consent.

"The news in that release, including the allegation of sexual assault, is not true,

"I'm not missing, nor am I unsafe, I've been resting at home and everything is fine. Thank you again for caring about me.

"If the WTA publishes any more news about me, please verify it with me, and release it with my consent.

"As a professional tennis player, I thank you all for your companionship and consideration. I hope to promote Chinese tennis with you all if I have the chance in the future.

"I hope Chinese tennis will become better and better.

"Once again, thank you for your consideration."

However, Simon doubts the email is genuinely from the tennis player.

His response read: "The statement released today by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts.

"I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her.

"Peng Shuai displayed incredible courage in describing an allegation of sexual assault against a former top official in the Chinese government.

"The WTA and the rest of the world need independent and verifiable proof that she is safe. I have repeatedly tried to reach her via numerous forms of communications, to no avail.

"Peng Shuai must be allowed to speak freely, without coercion and intimidation from any source. Her allegation of sexual assault must be respected, investigated with full transparency and without censorship.

"The voices of women need to be heard and respected, not censored nor dictated to."