It was in November 2021 that the former world number one in doubles, Peng Shuai, accused a top Chinese politician of sexual abuse on social media.

The post was removed quite quickly and then no one heard from her for almost three weeks.

Shuai has since appeared and given several interviews, and she has retracted the statement, calling it a misunderstanding.

The WTA, however, has said it remains concerned about Shuai and the tour said last February it wanted to see an independent investigation.

And to this day, the WTA's concerns have not abated.

In a statement, the WTA announced that it had received confirmation that Shuai should be safe.

But at the same time, the WTA has not been allowed to meet her.

They want to do that before they once again welcome tennis tournaments on Chinese soil into the competition calendar.

"Our thoughts remain with Peng Shuai"

"As we would with all our players globally, we have requested a formal investigation by the appropriate authorities and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with Peng - privately - to discuss her situation," the WTA wrote.

In December 2021, the WTA canceled all scheduled tournaments in China.

And when the tour presented the competition calendar for 2023, no Chinese tournament was included.

"Our position is firm and our thoughts remain with Peng Shuai.

The WTA continues to work towards a solution," it writes in a statement.

The WTA's competition calendar for 2023 extends through the end of the US Open in early September and is thus not yet fully determined.

"We have always said that we are hopeful of running WTA events in the region again, but we will not compromise our principles to do so."

CLIP: Bach on Peng Shuai: "She can move freely"

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Peng Shuai received support during the Australian Open.

Photo: TT