Chinese Tennis star Peng Shuai has been reportedly missing since her allegations against a former vice-premier of China for assaulting her.
Following her disappearance, which drew ire from netizens and other tennis stars including Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic, Chinese state media then published a “letter” that was allegedly from Peng Shuai.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) also expressed concern over her mysterious disappearance.
The “letter” was published by Chinese Global Television Network (CGTN), who sent it via email to the chairman and CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association, Steve Simon.
The letter reads:
“Hello everyone this is Peng Shuai.
Regarding the recent news released on the official website of the WTA, the content has not been confirmed or verified by myself aild it was released without my consent. The news in that release, including the allegation of sexual assault, is not true. Pin not missing, nor am I unsafe. I’ve just been resting at home and everything is fine. Thank you again for caring about me.
If the WTA publishes any more news about me, please verify it with me, and release it with my consent. As a professional tennis player, I thank you all for your companionship and consideration. I hope to promote Chinese tennis with you all if I have the chance in the future. I hope Chinese tennis will become better and better.
Once again, thank you for your consideration.”
Still not able to reach out to Peng
Despite claiming that Peng Shuai was safe, WTA chief Steve Simon has expressed his doubts on the credibility of the letter.
No one from the WTA has been able to establish contact with the still-missing tennis star.
Simon said that he had a hard time believing the letter was from Peng.
Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has sent an email to Steve Simon, the WTA Chairman & CEO, CGTN has learned. The email reads: pic.twitter.com/uLi6Zd2jDI
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) November 17, 2021
Images source: Tennis Now Facebook and @CGTNOfficial on Twitter