Peng Shuai Accusations, Disappearance Having Major Impact Beyond Tennis World
Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 06:54PM By Barry Janoff
UPDATED November 15, 2021: The ATP today issued a statement regarding Peng Shuai from chairman Andrea Gaudenzi:
“There is nothing more important to us than the safety of our tennis community.
“We have been deeply concerned by the uncertainty surrounding the immediate safety and whereabouts of WTA player Peng Shuai.
“We are encouraged by the recent assurances received by WTA that she is safe and accounted for and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“Separately, we stand in full support of WTA’s call for a full, fair and transparent investigation into allegations of sexual assault against Peng Shuai."
November 14, 2021: Even as the WTA is seeking to crown a 2021 champion at the Akron WTA Finals Centro PanAmericano de Tenis Guadalajara (thru Nov. 17), the organization and society in general is dealing with a larger and more significant issue.
The WTA said it seeks “full, fair and transparent investigation into sexual assault allegations against (a) former Chinese leader” by WTA player Peng Shuai.
The WTA is also calling for the “end of censorship against Peng Shuai.”
According to ESPN, on Nov. 2, Shuai “wrote in a lengthy social media post that Zhang Gaoli, a former vice premier and member of the ruling Communist Party's all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee, had forced her to have sex despite repeated refusals following a round of tennis three years ago."
ESPN said Shuai also wrote in her post, “I was so frightened that afternoon, never thinking that this thing could happen.”
Her post was removed from her verified account on Weibo, a leading Chinese social media platform, according to ESPN and other reports.
According to various reports, she has not been seen or heard from in the nearly two weeks since her accusations went public.
“Hoping that Peng Shuai is found safe and that her accusations are fully investigated,” tennis icon and social justice advocate Billie Jean King posted to social media.
Tennis legend Chris Evert stated on her social media platform, “Yes, these accusations are very disturbing. I’ve known Peng since she was 14; we should all be concerned; this is serious; where is she? Is she safe? Any information would be appreciated.”
Those and other outcries moved the WTA itself to make a public statement on Sunday.
“The recent events in China concerning a WTA player, Peng Shuai, are of deep concern,” Steve Simon, WTA chairman and CEO, said via the organization.
“As an organization dedicated to women, we remain committed to the principles we were founded on - equality, opportunity and respect.”
Shuai, 35, was ranked world No. 1 doubles by the WTA in February 2014 — the first Chinese tennis player to do so, according to the WTA — and won the doubles Grand Slam at Wimbledon (2013) and Roland Garros (2014).
In August 2011, she peaked at No. 14 in the singles rankings. She reached the U.S. Open Grand Slam singles semi-finals in 2014 and doubles semi-finals in 2017.
She is currently ranked No. 191 in the world in singles by the WTA.
According to Simon, “In all societies, the behavior she alleges that took place needs to be investigated, not condoned or ignored. We commend Peng Shuai for her remarkable courage and strength in coming forward. Women around the world are finding their voices so injustices can be corrected.
“We expect this issue to be handled properly, meaning the allegations must be investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship.
“Our absolute and unwavering priority is the health and safety of our players. We are speaking out so justice can be done.”
Photo: WTA
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