A video claiming to show Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai hanging out with friends is “not enough” evidence of her safety, said Steve Simon, head of the Women’s Tennis Association.
On Saturday, Chinese state media posted two clips on Twitter of Peng intentionally having dinner with her coach and friends in a restaurant.
Simon said: “While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear whether she is free and can make decisions and actions on her own without coercion or outside interference. are not”.
Peng, 35, has not had direct contact with the WTA since making sexual assault allegations against a former Chinese vice premier two weeks ago.
The governing body of the women’s professional tournament has been told Peng is safe, and in Beijing, by the Chinese Tennis Association, although Simon said Friday there was still no confirmation if that was. truth.
On Saturday, the editor of the Global Times – a Chinese state-run media organization – posted clips of Peng, which he said were filmed this weekend.
“The video content clearly shows that they were filmed on Saturday, Beijing time,” said Mr. Hu Xijin.
However, the authenticity of the video was questioned by media analyst Kerry Allen of BBC China.
She said that it looks like a date has been erased from the video.
Simon added: “I was delighted to see videos released by Chinese state media showing Peng Shuai at a restaurant in Beijing.
“This video alone is not enough.
“As I stated at the outset, I am still concerned about Peng Shuai’s health and safety and allegations of sexual assault are being censored and wiped out.
“I’ve been clear on what needs to happen and our relationship with China is at a crossroads.”
Peng is a former world number one doubles player who has won two Grand Slam titles – at Wimbledon 2013 and the 2014 French Open, alongside Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei.
She also achieved a career-high singles ranking of 14 in 2011 and reached the semi-finals of the US Open singles in 2014.
Fears for Peng’s safety have continued to grow since she said on November 3 she was “forced” into a sexual relationship with former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli.
Peng made the allegations in a post on the Chinese social network Weibo, and they were soon removed from the Chinese internet.
It is the first time such a statement has been made against one of China’s senior political leaders.
Swiss star Roger Federer has voiced concerns about Peng’s welfare, along with Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and many other top players speaking out about the situation.
“I hope she is safe, the tennis world unites for her,” said 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer.
“I hope good news comes to her soon.”
Everyone in the tennis world – past and present players, coaches and journalists alike – has demanded answers about Peng’s whereabouts, as have sports stars, actors and politicians. other famous politicians.
Many people used #WhereIsPengShuai on Twitter posts, along with a photo of her.
Wimbledon said it was “working to support the WTA’s efforts” to establish her safety and was “in solidarity with the rest of tennis that needs to understand that Peng Shuai is safe”.
