IOC to hold ‘personal meeting’ in January with Peng Shuai amid growing concerns

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has revealed they have arranged a ‘personal meeting’ with Peng Shuai for January.

Peng’s personal safety has been grounds for huge concern within tennis and further a field, with he disappearing for two weeks after accusing a high-ranking former politician in China of sexual abuse.

She has since been seen twice – once in a video call with the IOC and another at a tennis event in Beijing – but how freely she is behaving is a matter of grave concern.

The WTA responded on Wednesday by suspending all their activities in China – a move that has been publicly backed by ATP world number one Novak Djokovic.

Now, the IOC have re-joined the campaign, confirming they have held another video call with her and plan to go even further in January.

“We share the same concern as many other people and organisations about the wellbeing and safety of Peng Shuai,” an IOC statement read.

“This is why yesterday an IOC team held another video call with her.

“We have offered her wide-ranging support, will stay in regular touch with her and have already agreed on a personal meeting in January.

“We are using ‘quiet diplomacy’ which, given the circumstances and based on the experience of governments and other organisations, is indicated to be the most promising way to proceed effectively in such humanitarian matters.”

🎾 Read >> Breaking tennis news

🎾 Follow >> 24/7 LIVE scores

🎾 Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter

🎾 Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club

🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

🎾 Order >> World’s best tennis magazine

🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner