Chinese tennis player Peng will reappear in public “soon”

BEIJING (Reuters) – Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai has been “released” at home and will make a public appearance “soon,” Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of Global Thames, a state-run media journalist, said on Saturday.

The world’s first number one Peng pair has not been seen or heard publicly on Chinese social media since he said on November 2 that former Vice President Zhang Gaoli forced a sexual relationship and then had a consensual relationship.

Neither Zhang nor the Chinese government has given an opinion on his allegation. Peng’s post on social media was quickly wiped out and the subject was prevented from being discussed on the highly censored Internet in China.

“For the last few days, he has been free at home and didn’t want to be disturbed. He will appear in public and soon take part in some activities,” Huk wrote on Twitter (NYSE :).

It is published by The Global Times, the official newspaper of the ruling Communist Party of China.

He said he confirmed through his sources that the photos shared by a journalist working for the Chinese state media on Twitter, which allegedly showed Peng at home, represented his “current situation”.

On Saturday, Peng also posted a video showing him at a restaurant.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the photos or videos.

“I am pleased to see videos shown by Chinese state media at a Peng Shuai restaurant in Beijing,” Steve Simon, president of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), said in a statement.

“While it is positive to see him, it is not clear that he is free and able to make decisions and take action on his own, without being forced or external interference. This video alone is not enough.

“As I stated from the beginning, I remain concerned about Peng Shua’s health and safety and the allegations of sexual assault are being censored and hidden under the rug. I have been clear about what needs to happen and our relationship with China is very good. A crossroads.”

GREATER CONCERN

Amid growing concerns about his whereabouts, the WTA has threatened to take the tournaments out of China and the men’s ATP has asked for clarification from Chinese authorities. The United States has called for Peng’s whereabouts and security to be proven.

The International Olympic Committee could be encouraged to take a hard line with the Beijing Olympic hosts in 2022, COI senior member Dick Pound told Reuters.

So far the IOC has declined to comment, saying it offered the best option for a “quiet diplomacy” solution.

The IOC’s Athletes Committee, made up of athletes selected by its members, said it was “very concerned” with Peng and hoped to establish a relationship with him and other athletes soon.

Wimbledon organizers told the All England Lawn Tennis Club in a statement: “We are united with the rest of tennis with the need to understand that Peng Shuai is safe. We have been working to support the WTA’s efforts to establish its safety through our relations. Behind the scenes.”

Roger Federer, a great Swiss tennis player, also joined the choir of athletes who appeared concerned with Peng.

“He was the first (two-man player) in the world, but I hope he is doing well regardless of that,” Federer told Sky Sports Italy.

“The whole tennis family is with him. I’m connected with all the players. I hope the good news will come from him soon.”

Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal also said he is following the situation closely.

“I follow the news and read about Peng Shua,” Nadal told L’Equipe. “Even if we don’t have all the information, the most important thing is to know if it’s okay. We hope everyone in the tennis family will see us back soon.”