Peng Shuai: WTA threatens to pull tournaments out of China over missing player
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Women’s Tennis Association is prepared to pull its tournaments out of China if they are not satisfied with the response to the sexual assault allegation made by former doubles world number one Peng Shuai, chief executive Steve Simon has told US media. Concern among the global tennis community and beyond has grown over Peng’s safety and whereabouts since her allegation, with the WTA calling for an investigation and the world’s top players tweeting #WhereIsPengShuai. Simon on Wednesday cast doubt on the authenticity of an e-mail purportedly from Peng and leaked to a Chinese state media outlet, in which the 35-year-old player was said to deny the sexual assault allegations. “Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time.” The Professional Tennis Players Association, a new body representing players set up by men’s world number one Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, said players must be prepared to take action if Peng’s safety cannot be confirmed.