Without being categorical, the ATP is reassuring on Peng Shuai, whose tennis world has been without news for about ten days. The body which manages the men’s circuit is “closely” following the situation of the Chinese player, in particular via the WTA – which manages the women’s circuit. “We were relieved by the recent assurances received by the WTA (the association of professional players) that it was safe, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Monday ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi, in a press release.
“We were deeply concerned about the uncertainties regarding the immediate safety and whereabouts of the player,” added the former Italian player, insisting that ATP “strongly supports the WTA’s call for a full investigation,” fair and transparent regarding accusations of sexual violence against Peng Shuai ”.
“It’s shocking that she disappeared”
Along with the investigation requested by the WTA, its chairman, Steve Simon, told the New York Times, that the WTA “had received confirmation, from several sources including the Chinese federation, that it is safe and not physically threatened”. The case is not yet over, however, as no official has yet been able to directly reach the former world number 1 in duplicate.
Brought to react on the Peng Shuai case, Novak Djokovic said he was shocked. “I don’t have a lot of information on the subject, I heard about it a week ago and honestly, it’s shocking that she disappeared”, reacted the Serbian in a press conference after his entry. victorious at the ATP Masters in Turin. “There isn’t much else to say. Hopefully she will be (re) found, that she is fine. It’s terrible, I can just imagine how his family must be feeling, ”he added.
No sign since November 2
The 35-year-old former doubles world number 1 accused on social media former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, who from 2013 to 2018 was one of China’s most powerful politicians, of having forced her into a sexual relationship before making her his mistress.
This explosive accusation was briefly posted on November 2 on the player’s official Weibo account (a Chinese equivalent of Twitter). As of November 4, China had blocked any reference to this message attributed to Peng Shuai, but which it is not known if it had been written by the player herself. Since then, the player has not communicated or made a public appearance and Zhang Gaoli has never reacted publicly to these accusations.