Serena Williams joins top tennis players in uproar over China’s Peng Shuai’s disappearance

Serena Williams was “devastated and shocked” to hear of the continued disappearance of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, who has not been heard from or seen in public since a social media post accusing a powerful former Chinese vice premier of sexual assault.

The winner of 23 Grand Slam titles expressed her concerns in a tweet Thursday, joining her former No. 1 peer Naomi Osaka by using the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai.

“I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible,” Williams’ post reads. “This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time. #whereispengshuai.”

Peng is a former world No. 1 doubles player – the first Chinese athlete to achieve that rank. She posted on social media earlier this month that she had been forced into sex by Zhang Gaoli, a former member of China’s Politburo, but the post was quickly deleted.

Williams’ statement comes a day after Chinese state media tweeted a suspicious email allegedly written by Peng herself addressed to Steve Simon, chairman of the Women’s Tennis Association. In it, Peng states, “I’m not missing, nor am I unsafe. I’ve just been resting at home and everything is fine.”

Simon, who has called publicly for an investigation into accusations, was unconvinced, saying in a statement shortly after that, “I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her.”

Simon continued by commending Peng’s bravery for coming forward and demanding proof of her safety. His pursuit of the matter places him at odds with the WTA’s expansion into China. The WTA signed a 10-year deal to move its finals to Shenzhen, although it has temporarily been moved to Guadalajara, Mexico due to COVID.

Other top tennis players who have spoken on Peng’s disappearance include Novak Djokovic, Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Alize Cornet.