The WTA asks the Chinese authorities for a “private” interview with Peng Shuai, before returning to China

The WTA demands accountability. She asked the Chinese authorities to be able to speak with the player Peng Shuai before a possible return to the circuit in China, according to a press release from the body sent to AFP on Wednesday. The body that governs women’s tennis has asked “to meet – privately – with Peng to discuss his situation”, according to this press release.

“We have received confirmation that Peng is safe and comfortable, but we have yet to meet her personally.“, continues the text. Peng Shuai, winner of Wimbledon and Roland-Garros in doubles, who will be 37 years old on January 8 and now retired, disappeared for several weeks, at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, after accusing the ex -Vice Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli, 40 years his senior, of sexual intercourse”strength“during a relationship that lasted several years.

“We remain firm on our position”

IOC President Thomas Bach and journalists from the French sports daily The team were able to speak in turn with the player during the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, but the player was chaperoned. Videos showing her in public in China were also not enough to dispel doubts about her safety and her freedoms of movement and expression.

The WTA had decided in December 2021 to give up organizing its fall tournaments in this country despite enormous financial stakes. “We remain firm on our position, continue to think about Peng Shuai and the WTA continues to work on a resolution.” of the case, still indicates the press release of Wednesday.

“We have always said we hope to be able to resume WTA tournaments in the region, but we will not compromise on our fundamental principles to achieve this.“, insists the text. Last September, the WTA announced “under a long-term contract“that the circuit was likely to return to China in 2023, but not in the state of the Peng Shuai case.