The world of tennis is increasing the pressure on the Chinese authorities.

The boss of the WTA, who manages the women's professional tennis circuit, does not rule out withdrawing competitions from China if Beijing does not shed light on the disappearance of champion Peng Shuai.

The player has not given any sign of life since she accused a former senior Communist regime official in early November of forcing her to have sex.

In an interview with CNN on Thursday, WTA boss Steve Simon threatened to withdraw women's tennis competitions from China if the country does not clear up the matter.

"We are fully prepared to withdraw (from China) our activities and face all the complications that arise," said the boss of women's tennis.

"Because it's (rape accusations) more important than business," Steve Simon told US TV. 

"Staging"

Peng Shuai, 35, on social media accused former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli - who was from 2013 to 2018 one of China's seven most powerful politicians - of having her forced into a sexual relationship three years ago, before making her his mistress.

This accusation was briefly posted on November 2 on the official Weibo account, Chinese equivalent of Twitter, of the player. 

China quickly blocked any reference to this message.

AFP was unable to confirm whether it was written by Peng Shuai in person.

Since then, the player has not directly communicated or made a public appearance and Zhang Gaoli has never reacted publicly to these accusations.

On Wednesday, the Chinese English-language public channel CGTN unveiled a screenshot of an email attributed to Peng Shuai, which the Chinese player allegedly sent to the WTA management.

On CNN, Steve Simon reiterated his doubts about the authenticity of this message in which the champion declares "false" his accusations against Zhang Gaoli.

"I don't believe that's the truth at all," Steve Simon told CNN, calling the email "staged".

"If she was forced to write it, if someone wrote it for her, we don't know [...] but until we talk to her in person we won't be reassured", the WTA official said.  

The players mobilize 

The stars of world tennis are also trying to alert public opinion to this disappearance through the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai.

Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka said she was "shocked by the situation". 

.

#WhereIsPengShuai pic.twitter.com/51qcyDtzLq

- NaomiOsaka 大 坂 な お み (@naomiosaka) November 16, 2021

"We must not remain silent" reacted for her part the American Serena Williams expressing her solidarity with those close to Peng Shuai in "this incredibly difficult moment".

I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai.

I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible.

This must be investigated and we must not stay silent.

Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time.

#whereispengshuai pic.twitter.com/GZG3zLTSC6

- Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 18, 2021

Several players on the men's circuit have also expressed their concerns, such as world number 1 Novak Djokovic.

Asked several times about this affair, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons said they were completely ignorant of this affair, which they refused to comment on, arguing that it was not a diplomatic issue.

With AFP   

The summary of the week

France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR