The campaign to find out about the safety and whereabouts of Peng Shuai has gained serious momentum with top names including Naomi Osaka coming out in support.
But an email which was released by China state-affiliated news company, CGTN has further raised concerns according to WTA Chief, Steve Simon who the email was sent to.
It said that the sexual assault claim made against ex Vice-Premier, Zhang Gaoli was 'not true' and added: "I'm not missing, nor am I unsafe. I've just been resting at home and everything is fine".
A statement was released by Simon showing the further doubts which were quelled by those on social media expressing doubts themselves including a cursor being present showing it to be a potential screenshot as opposed to an actual email.
"I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her," he said in a statement.
"Peng Shuai displayed incredible courage in describing an allegation of sexual assault against a former top official in the Chinese government.
"The WTA and the rest of the world need independent and verifiable proof that she is safe. I have repeatedly tried to reach her via numerous forms of communication, to no avail."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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