Tennis authorities say Peng Shuai is safe

Where is Peng Shuai? This is the question that the tennis world has been asking since the beginning of November and the accusations of rape against a high Chinese dignitary, posted on social networks by the tennis player. While no one seems to have heard from her any more, ATP and WTA leaders say they have been assured that she is fine. Without having been able to speak to him. “We were deeply concerned about the uncertainties regarding the immediate safety and whereabouts of WTA player Peng Shuai. We were relieved by recent assurances received by the WTA that it was safe, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely, ”ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi said in a statement.

This is somewhat reassuring news in the Peng Shuai case. While the Chinese player (35) disappeared in early November after accusing the former vice premier of the People's Republic of China, Zhang Gaoli, of sexual assault on a social network, the ATP and WTA said that it would be alive and well, and safe. He added: "In addition, we strongly support the call of the WTA for a thorough, fair and transparent investigation into the accusations of sexual violence against Peng Shuai."

With the #WhereIsPengShuai, the tennis community is worried on social networks about the fate of the Chinese player Peng Shuai, who has disappeared for ten days after accusing one of the leaders of her country of rape on her Weibo account , since deleted #AFP pic.twitter.com/J1zz3InWow

- Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) November 14, 2021

Peng Shuai, former world number 1 in doubles, accused on social media Zhang Gaoli, one of the most powerful politicians in China between 2013 and 2018, of having forced her into a sexual relationship before making it his mistress.

The accusing post remained for a few minutes on November 2 on Peng Shuai's official Weibo account (a Chinese equivalent of Twitter), without being certain it was the player herself who was responsible for it.

Two days later, China blocked all reference to the post, but screenshots still spread like wildfire.

Since then, the player has not made any public appearances, leaving concern to settle around her case all over the world.