Peng, who has won both Wimbledon and the French Open, has not been seen in public since she accused China's former Deputy Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli of sexual abuse in a post on her social media account in Weibo.
The post was quickly removed from Chinese social media and the Chinese government has avoided commenting on the situation, while no one has heard from Shuai since this happened.
But yesterday, China's state-owned media published an e-mail that they claim was written by Peng and had been sent to Simon.
In the email, Peng says that she "rests at home" and that she denies her previous accusation of sexual abuse against Zhang.
- Peng Shuai showed incredible courage when he described an accusation of sexual abuse.
The WTA and the rest of the world need independent and verifiable proof that she is safe.
I have repeatedly tried to reach her through many different forms of communication, without success.
Peng Shuai must be allowed to speak freely, without coercion or threat from any source.
Her allegations of sexual abuse must be respected, investigated with full transparency and without censorship, Simon continues.
"I'm not gone"
Here is the email that should have been written by Peng Shuai:
"Hi everyone, this is Peng Shuai.
As for the latest news released on the WTA's official website, the content has not been confirmed or verified by myself and it was released without my consent.
The news of that release, including the allegation of sexual assault, is not true.
I'm not lost, nor am I unsure.
I just rested at home and everything is fine.
If the WTA publishes more news about me, please verify it with me and release it with my consent.
As a professional tennis player, I thank you all for your company and care.
I hope to be able to market Chinese tennis with all of you if I have the chance in the future.
I hope Chinese tennis will get better and better. "