Eight-time Grand Slam champion watching to see how Peng Shuai’s “terrible story” unfolds
US Open winner Samantha Stosur has added her voice to the outpouring of support for Peng Shuai and “just wants her to be safe.”
Four-time doubles Grand Slam champion Stosur has joined other high-profile names such as Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Billie Jean King in voicing her support for Peng Shuai’s plight.
On November 2nd Peng accused former Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her into a sexual relationship, but her original social media post was removed in just 30 minutes and Peng was not seen or heard from publicly in the following weeks.
However, in mid-November both Chinese state-affiliated journalists and media outlets began to release emails purportedly from Peng herself, as well as images and videos of her participating in a variety of social events.
None of these messages, images or videos satisfied WTA CEO and chairman Steve Simon’s calls for clarification on Peng’s well-being and safety or a “full, fair and transparent investigation” into her allegations.
Similarly, the European Union have echoed the WTA’s calls and have requested “verifiable proof” of Peng’s safety and freedom.
Speaking with Australian media on Peng’s situation, former doubles World number one Stosur said “it’s a terrible story, what is unfolding with Peng Shuai.
“We played many, many times on Tour. All the players know who she was as she has won Grand Slams (the French Open and Wimbledon) and [has] been number one in the world in doubles.
“From the players’ point of view and the [WTA] Tour, we just want her to be safe and hopefully everything is okay, but things are unfolding and we just have to wait and see how that plays out.”
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