"Actually I don't know how she is": Qinwen Zheng hasn't spoken to Peng Shuai amid recent China U-turn

Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen has stated she has no idea as to the whereabouts of compatriot Peng Shuai, and revealed she has never even spoken to Peng.

The WTA announced it will resume operations in China in September, after a two-year hiatus following the mysterious circumstances surrounding Peng. The governing body revealed they had been informed Peng was safe and well with her family in Beijing.

Zheng, who is currently competing at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, was asked about Peng's well-being after her first-round victory over Alycia Parks.

"Actually, I don't know how she is," Zheng said in response during her post-match press conference. "I was never talk to her in my life. I'm just a beginner in WTA still. I just trying to focus on my tennis and enjoy to play in front of my people."

The World No.25 stated she had not spoken with any other players about Peng Shuai, but believes the two-time doubles Grand Slam champion is leading 'a normal life' in China.

"No, in the tour I don't talk much. I basically just stay close by with my team," Zheng added. "But I think she's pretty well in China. Just have a normal life. But honestly I don't know how she is. I just focus more on myself, yeah."