Missing Chinese Tennis Player Makes First Public Appearance In Weeks

A Chinese tennis player who had been presumed to be missing after accusing former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault was spotted at a tennis tournament on Sunday.

Peng Shuai, 35, hadn’t been seen out since November 2, when she posted the accusation to social media. The post was quickly deleted, and China’s censored press ignored the story. 

Shuai was spotted in a dark blue blazer at a Beijing tennis tournament, an event sponsored by the China Open. She was seen posing with guests at the Fila Kids Junior Tennis Challenger Finals.

Peng Shuai showed up at the opening ceremony of a teenager tennis match final in Beijing on Sunday morning. Global Times photo reporter Cui Meng captured her at scene. pic.twitter.com/7wlBcTMgGy

— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 21, 2021

However, skeptics fear that the optics were staged and that Shuai may be held against her will. She has not spoken freely since she came forward with sexual assault allegations. 

Then on Sunday, the International Olympic Committee says they spoke to Shuai for 30 minutes and she “appeared relaxed” throughout the call. Shuai thanked the committee for their concern and told them she was safe at home in Beijing. She asked that her privacy be respected.

“I offered her our support and to stay in touch at any time of her convenience, which she obviously appreciated,” IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Emma Terho said.

Terho was joined on the call by IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC Member in China Li Lingwei and Shuai.