WTA remains firm with concern for Peng Shuai's safety - "We do not give up our principles for this"

Following her sudden disappearance and sudden re-emergence last November, Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai has kept a low profile but that hasn't deterred the WTA from remaining concerned about her safety.

The two-time doubles Grand Slam titlist made allegations of sexual harassment against a former vice president of the Communist Party, Zhang Gaoli, before disappearing for a few weeks. Shuai eventually resurfaced, with the entire tennis world worried about her whereabouts.

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Although the 36-year old made a public appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games in February, there has been complete silence regarding her situation ever since.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach had revealed to the French newspaper L'Equipe that he had invited her to Lausanne, the seat of the committee, only to be declined by Peng who wanted to postpone her visit.

"She had to quarantine herself for twenty-one days to be able to meet me at the Games, rather than undergo another similar period she preferred to wait a bit," he said.

Amelie Mauresmo, director of the Roland Garros, also revealed that she had tried, in vain, to invite her to the Porte d'Auteuil this year.

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Nonetheless, the WTA revealed through a spokesperson that they have not had the opportunity to speak with her since the Winter Olympics.

"It was nice to see her in public during the Olympics but this has not diminished our concern after the message of last November 2nd," the spokesperson said. "Peng was courageous in publicly indicating that she was assaulted by a top Chinese government politician. As with all players in similar cases, we requested an investigation and a chance to meet Peng privately. And we remain firm on our positions.

"We continue to work so that we can return to play in China in 2023, but we do not give up our principles for this."