WTA demands ‘private’ meeting with Peng Shuai

China’s Peng Shuai defeats Japan’s Nao Hibino during their women’s singles match on the second day of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2020. (Photo by Greg WOOD/AFP)

The WTA, the main body that runs women’s professional tennis, on Wednesday demanded a private meeting with Peng Shuai before a potential return to China.

“We have received confirmation that Peng is safe and well, but we have not met her,” the WTA said in a statement.

“As we would do with players around the world, we request a formal investigation into the allegations by the appropriate authorities and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with Peng – in person – to discuss his situation.”

The former world doubles number one has not been seen outside of China since he first made, and later retracted, accusations of sexual assault against high-ranking officials.

Peng has alleged in a post on social media that the former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli forced her to have sex during their years-long relationship, but has twice denied that he was accused of sexual assault and described the situation as a “big misunderstanding”.

“We continue to hold our position and our thoughts remain with Peng Shuai and the WTA continues to work towards a resolution,” the WTA said.

“While we have always indicated that we hope to re-do WTA events in the region, we will not compromise on our founding principles in order to do so.

“There is no change in the WTA position when we return to China and we have only confirmed the 2023 calendar through the US Open.

“Returning to the region will require a resolution to the Peng Shuai situation where Peng took the bold step of going public with allegations that she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government official.”

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