Growing Concerns amid Chinese Tennis Player’s Sudden Disappearance

The world tennis community is concerned about the mysterious disappearance of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai after she accused high ranking Chinese official Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault on November 2. 

The former world doubles No 1, wrote a lengthy social media post accusing the Chinese leader on her Weibo account which is a leading Chinese social media platform. 

Her post was removed just 20 minutes after it was published on Weibo.  

The tennis player hasn’t posted on social media or been seen after this incident. 

Fans, followers and members of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) now fear for her life as they haven’t heard from her since days. 

The WTA made several attempts to reach her, but to no avail. 

“Voice, digital, tweeting.”

“WeChat. WhatsApp. Text. There are plenty of different messaging things we all use and are all able to communicate with. And none of those have produced a result as of this point”, WTA boss Steve Simon told TIME on Wednesday morning. 

Later on Wednesday China Global Television Network, a government-affiliated media organization posted a tweet with a message reportedly from Peng. 

In the message, Peng has stated that the news of the sexual assault was not true. She confirmed that she hasn’t disappeared but resting at home and news released by WTA was not verified. 

Many sources find it hard to believe that the message was from Peng Shuai. 

In response to the message, Simon released a statement late on Wednesday stating: “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.”

This is how the world tennis community reacted: 

This unfortunate event could savour business ties between WTA and China. At present WTA holds 11 tournaments in the country annually, including the year-end WTA Finals. 

Will Peng Shuai’s followers receive satisfactory proof that she is alive and well? Has Peng become a victim of a political conspiracy?  Only time will reveal.