Staff Reporter.
Serena Williams says the case of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai “must be investigated” and urged people “not to stay silent” about her welfare.
Peng, 35, has not been heard from since she made sexual assault allegations against a leading Chinese government official two weeks ago.
Chinese state media has released an email attributed to Peng, but doubt has been cast about its authenticity.
“I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible,” said American Williams.
Steve Simon, chairman of the Women’s Tennis Association, has said the organisation is prepared to pull its tournaments out of China if it is not satisfied with the response to Peng’s allegation.
“We’re definitely willing to pull our business and deal with all the complications that come with it,” Simon told CNN.
“Because this is certainly, this is bigger than the business. Women need to be respected and not censored.”
On Wednesday, Simon cast doubt on the email released by Chinese state media, saying it “only raises” concerns about Peng’s safety.
The Lawn Tennis Association, the sport’s governing body in the UK, said it has “offered assistance” to the WTA to “establish the safety and wellbeing” of Peng.
Concern for Peng’s welfare has continued to grow since she said she was “forced” into a sexual relationship with former China vice-premier Zhang Gaoli.
The United Nations says it wants proof of Peng’s whereabouts and has urged the need for an investigation “with full transparency”.
Peng made her allegations in a post on Chinese social media site Weibo on 3 November and soon deleted from China’s internet.
It is the first time such a claim has been made against one of China’s senior political leaders.
Williams is one of many leading players to speak out about Peng’s welfare, as well as Britain’s Andy Murray, men’s world number one Novak Djokovic and Japan’s four-time major winner Naomi Osaka.
“I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news,” said Williams, who is a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion.
“This must be investigated and we must not stay silent.
“Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Peng is a former world number one doubles player who has won two Grand Slam titles – at Wimbledon in 2013 and the 2014 French Open, both alongside Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Su-wei.
She also achieved a career-high singles rankings of 14 in 2011 and reached the US Open singles semi-finals in 2014.