WTA Still "Concerned" Over Peng Shuai After New Denial

WTA chief Steve Simon said Monday the organisation maintained concern for the wellbeing of Peng Shuai after the Chinese tennis player issued a further denial of sexual assault allegations.

WTA chief Steve Simon said Monday the organisation maintained concern for the wellbeing of Peng Shuai after the Chinese tennis player issued a further denial of sexual assault allegations. Peng's fate has been shrouded in mystery since she alleged on social media in November that former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli forced her into sex during a years-long relationship. The post was deleted and Peng's whereabouts were unknown for three weeks, drawing worldwide concern for her safety. She has subsequently appeared at a handful of public events, and denies ever making the accusation against Zhang.

On Sunday Peng gave an interview to French daily L'Equipe in which she once again denied making her initial allegations.

"I never said anyone had sexually assaulted me in any way," Peng said, insisting that her initial post had been the subject of a "huge misunderstanding" by the outside world.

Peng was accompanied by Chinese Olympic Committee chief of staff Wang Kan during the interview with L'Equipe, which took place on the sidelines of the Winter Olympics.

The WTA, which has suspended tournaments in China over the case, said in a statement on Monday it remained concerned over Peng's wellbeing.