Chinese tennis champ’s allegation against vice premier prompts calls for probe from WTA, ATP

The alleged incident between Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai and a powerful politician resulted in calls from Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) CEO Steve Simon and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) chairman Andrea Gaudenzi for an investigation into the matter.

Peng, who was a former No. Peng, a former No. 1 doubles player, stated in a Chinese social media posting earlier this month that she was forced to have sex three years ago with Zhang Gaoli, formerly Vice Premier. 

Zhang is a member of the ruling Communist Party’s all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee.

She also stated that she first had sex seven-years ago and that she felt for him thereafter. 

The Daily Mail reported Peng hadn’t been seen since she made the social media claims.

Simon demanded an investigation on Sunday.

“Peng Shuai and all women deserve to be heard, but not censored. It is imperative that her accusation of a former Chinese leader in relation to sexual assaults must be treated seriously. All societies should investigate the allegations she makes about the conduct of a former Chinese leader. This behavior must not be ignored or condoned. We are grateful to Peng Shuai, for her extraordinary courage and strength in speaking up. He said that women around the world are rising up to speak out against injustices.

“We expect this matter to be properly handled, which means that the allegations must be investigated thoroughly, fairly, transparently, and without censorship.

FILE – Shuai Peng, China, serves the ball to Caroline Garcia, France, during the second round of the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 31, 2018. Chinese authorities have stopped virtually all online discussion regarding sexual assault allegations that were made by a Chinese professional tennis player against a former top official. This is a sign of how sensitive the ruling Communist Party has been to such accusations.
(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

TENNIS CHAMP ‘VANISHES’ AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT CLAIM AGAINST CHINESE POLITICIAN: REPORT

The ATP, the men’s pro tour, supported the WTA’s calls for an investigation on Monday.

“The safety and well-being of our tennis players is what is most important to us.” Gaudenzi stated in a statement that they were deeply concerned about Peng Shuai’s safety and whereabouts.

“We are encouraged to hear that WTA has given assurances that she is safe and well. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.” Separately, we stand in full support of WTA’s call for a full, fair and transparent investigation into allegations of sexual assault carried out against Peng Shuai.”

FILE – Zhang Gaoli, the former Chinese Vice Premier, is seen during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People (Beijing, China), Wednesday, March 16, 2016. The Chinese authorities have shut down virtually all online discussions about sexual assault allegations made against the former top government official by a Chinese tennis star. This shows how sensitive the ruling Communist Party is towards such accusations.
(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

Peng is most well-known for her ability to win doubles events rather than singles. The 35-year-old has won two doubles majors – the French Open and Wimbledon – along with 21 other career titles. She was a former number 1. She was a former member of the No. 1-ranked doubles team.

Peng wrote in her post that Peng, a 75-year-old politician, and his wife had arranged to play tennis at Beijing three years ago. He later brought Peng into a room where the assault took place.

Her post stated, “I was so scared that afternoon, never thinking this could happen,”

Zhang retired in 2018 and has largely disappeared, as is the case with former Chinese officials. He was vice premier between 2013 and 2018, and was Communist Party secretary in Tianjin (2007 to 2012) and Shandong (2002 to 2007).

This report was contributed by The Associated Press.