Chris Evert, former world No. 1, recalled the Peng Shuai controversy on social media amid the announcement of the return of WTA tournaments to China.
Former world No. 1 Chris Evert doesn't forget the controversial case of Peng Shuai, a prominent Chinese tennis player who disappeared in November 2021 after accusing former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual abuse on social media.
The Chinese government initially claimed she was at home and safe, but the lack of evidence and concerns about censorship and repression in China fueled the controversy. As a result, the WTA decided to suspend tournaments in the country until concrete proof of the tennis player's well-being emerged.
At that time, the 18-times Grand Slam champion expressed her agreement with the decision.
"Until she sets foot in another country, I will continue to believe her freedom has been taken away. Proud of Steve Simon and the @WTA for postponing tournaments in China…" Chris Evert wrote in early 2022.
Until she sets foot in another country, I will continue to believe her freedom has been taken away. Proud of Steve Simon and the @WTA for postponing tournaments in China…
Watch. #PengShuai asked in @lequipe interview “why such concern”, @PHShriver gets to the heart of that question. Listen carefully what that Chinese govt official says. Threats have been made. They aren’t subtle. @wta @ChrissieEvert @PatrickMcEnroe @tingdc m.youtube.com/watch?v=nwY2_r…
After weeks of international pressure, Peng Shuai appeared in a video call with the President of the International Olympic Committee. However, there are still lingering questions about her actual freedom and safety.
Nevertheless, the WTA decided to bring tournaments back to China, a move that garnered criticism from fans. This time, it was Chris Evert who reposted a social media post, reminding everyone about the case.
"The Chinese swing is about to start. We should not forget about Peng Shuai. She still can't speak freely or move out of China. It's crazy that these things still happen in the 21st century," wrote some user on X (former Twitter.)
The Chinese swing is about to start. We should not forget about Peng Shuai. She still can't speak freely or move out of 🇨🇳 It's crazy that these things still happen in the 21st century 💔
Other fans joined in expressing words of support for Peng Shuai:
"Reminder that we still don't know if Peng Shuai is living free from the CCP surveillance and control, and that the tennis community essentially broke its promises to boycott tournaments in China until being assured of her safety and well-being #WhereIsPengShuai,"
Reminder that we still don't know if Peng Shuai is living free from the CCP surveillance and control, and that the tennis community essentially broke its promises to boycott tournaments in China until being assured of her safety and well-being #WhereIsPengShuai
Peng Shuai has been seen around the Olympic tennis grounds many times lately. Whether she is free to speak or not we’ll never know, as she has said she is. Welcome to China.
At least there are other Chinese players…. How about Iraqi players ? Every sport is dead out there because of some little things that America did…. Ohh wait it’s USA so there is no problem .
I agree, we still don't have an honest answer as to where Peng Shuai is 🧡
