Maria Sharapova is now breaking her silence about the disappearance of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, and it is very interesting to hear her viewpoint.
There is no question that Maria Sharapova is one class act, and she recently made the headlines again when she became the latest star of the tennis world to voice her “hopes and prayers” for Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai.
Peng was a former Wimbledon doubles champion, and the 35-year-old tennis star went missing a few months ago after she made allegations against an ex-high-ranking Chinese government official.
Since then, the only place that Peng has been “seen” would be in the images and videos shared by the state-affiliated media. And this was only after her allegations had been swiftly removed from Weibo, the Chinese social media site.
This is one of the main reasons why WTA chief Steve Simon has been repeatedly calling for a “full and transparent” investigation into the allegations of Peng Shuai. Simon has not been able to contact her himself either.
You have to give Simon credit, however. He has totally pulled WTA events from China until an investigation has been launched into Peng’s disappearance. Sharapova took the occasion to voice her support of Peng Shuia.
“She was a colleague and a rival of mine,” Sharapova told CNBC. “I obviously hope and pray for her and her family that they are safe and well. I’ve been incredibly impressed with how the WTA has stood up and taken a stance. It was an organization that I’d been a part of for many years, so seeing Steve Simon do the right thing has been wonderful. I think of people before I think of business. I think of the human element and the human aspect. That’s why I’m in complete support of the tour.”
In a statement posted last week, Simon said: “Chinese officials have been provided the opportunity to cease this censorship, verifiably prove that Peng is free and able to speak without interference or intimidation, and investigate the allegation of sexual assault in a full, fair and transparent manner.”
“Unfortunately, the leadership in China has not addressed this very serious issue in any credible way.”
“While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts that she is free, safe and not subject to censorship, coercion and intimidation.”
“The WTA has been clear on what is needed here, and we repeat our call for a full and transparent investigation – without censorship – into Peng Shuai’s sexual assault accusation. None of this is acceptable nor can it become acceptable.”