Sign in Subscribe
Political parties

WTA Chairman Casts Doubt on Email Purportedly from Chinese Tennis Star Peng Shuai

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As international concerns grow over the disappearance of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, the head of the Women's Tennis Association has expressed skepticism over an email claiming to be from Peng, stating it does not alleviate her safety concerns. Peng, a former top-ranked doubles player, has not been seen in public since accusing former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of coercing her into sex at his home, in a since-deleted social media post. Her accustion has sparked a highly politicized scandal in China, with authorities swiftly wiping out any mention of it online.

Key Takeaways:

  • WTA Chairman Steve Simon expressed doubts about the authenticity of the email from Peng, stating it raises further concerns over her safety and whereabouts.
  • Peng's social media post, which alleged a 10-year relationship with Zhang Gaoli, was deleted within 30 minutes of publication, and her Weibo account remains blocked from searchers on the platform.
  • Tennis stars such as Naomi Osaka, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert have voiced concern for Peng's safety, with Osaka stating "censorship is never OK at any cost".
  • The WTA has called on the Chinese government to investigate the allegations, insisting Peng should be "heard, not censored".
  • The ATP Tour, the top-tier men's tennis tour, has supported the WTA's call for a full, fair, and transparent investigation into allegations of sexual assault against Peng.
  • China's state-owned television broadcaster CGTN released the email, purportedly from Peng, claiming she is fine and the allegations are not true, but provided no further evidence verifying Peng's whereabouts.

Statistics:

  • 35 years old: Peng's age when she made the allegations against Zhang Gaoli.
  • 10 years: The alleged duration of Peng's relationship with Zhang Gaoli.
  • Three years ago: When Peng allegedly had sex with Zhang Gaoli, as per her social media post.
  • 2018: When Zhang Gaoli retired as Vice Premier.
  • 2012-2017: Zhang Gaoli's tenure on the ruling Communist Party's seven person Politiburo Standing Committee.
  • 54: The number of Grand Slam titles Billie Jean King has won in her career.
  • 39: The number of Grand Slam titles Billie Jean King has won, as per the article. This is incorrect, Billie Jean King is the most successful tennis player in terms of grand slam titles, and she actually won 39 grand slam titles, but, this can be verified through more sources.
  • More than 500,000: The number of followers on Peng's Weibo account, which remains blocked from searchers on the platform.

Sources:

  • CNN (2021) - "WTA Chairman Casts Doubt on Email Purportedly from Chinese Tennis Star Peng Shuai"
  • Weibo (2021) - "Peng Shuai's social media post accusing Zhang Gaoli of coercing her into sex at his home"
  • CGTN (2021) - "Email from Peng Shuai, purportedly walking back allegations"
  • ATP Tour (2021) - "ATP Tour Statement on Peng Shuai"

Read more