Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka has become the latest name in the tennis world to voice concern over the safety of Peng Shuai.
Earlier this month, Peng wrote on social media 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 game of tennis three years ago.
After Novak Djokovic, Billie Jean King, and others called for clarity on the situation, Osaka joined the chorus this morning (AEDT).
“Hey everyone, not sure if you’ve been following the news but I was recently informed of a fellow tennis player that has gone missing shortly after revealing that she has been sexually assaulted,” she wrote.
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“Censorship is never OK at any cost, I hope Peng Shuai and her family are safe and OK. I’m in shock of the current situation and I’m sending love and light her way. #whereispengshuai”
https://twitter.com/naomiosaka/status/1460723353174433793
Since the explosive allegations, Peng has disappeared from public view.
On Monday, the head of the women’s professional tennis tour called for a full investigation of the allegations.
“We’ve received confirmation from several sources, including the Chinese Tennis Association, that she is safe and not under any physical threat,” WTA boss Steve Simon said.
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“My understanding is that she is in Beijing in China, but I can’t confirm that because I haven’t spoken directly with her.”
Peng has won 23 tour-level doubles titles, including at Wimbledon in 2013 and Roland-Garros in 2014. She was a semi-finalist in singles at the US Open in 2014.