The chief executive of the WTA Tour expressed his growing concerns on Wednesday for Chinese star Peng Shuai after a letter said to be written by the player appeared on state media.

Peng is a former Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion and two weeks ago she alleged that a powerful Chinese politician, Zhang Gaoli sexually assaulted her and since then she has not been heard.

China Global Television Network, (CGTN) which is controlled by the Chinese government, distributed an email that it said had been written by Peng Shuai.

According to the letter distributed by CGTN, Peng said in her email that “I am not missing, nor am I unsafe. I’ve just been resting at home and everything is fine.” The email also said the allegation of sexual assault “is not true.”

After which WTA chief Steve Simon expressed his doubt on the email and his concerns for the safety of Peng Shuai.

“The statement released today by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts,” he said in a statement.

He added, “I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her.”

Earlier this month, Peng alleged on the Twitter-like Weibo that former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had "forced" her into sex during a long-term on-off relationship.

"Peng Shuai displayed incredible courage in describing an allegation of sexual assault against a former top official in the Chinese government," said Simon.

He called for "independent and verifiable proof that she is safe".

"I have repeatedly tried to reach her via numerous forms of communication, to no avail," said Simon, adding that Peng "must be allowed to speak freely, without coercion or intimidation".

Tennis players like Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic and numerous other players in recent days also expressed that they were deeply worried about Peng sudden disapperance.

On Sunday, the WTA also urged Sunday for Peng's claims to be "investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship".

In the statement WTA stated that, “Peng Shuai, and all women, deserve to be heard, not censored. Her accusation about the conduct of a former Chinese leader involving a sexual assault must be treated with the utmost seriousness. In all societies, the behavior she alleges that took place needs to be investigated, not condoned or ignored. We commend Peng Shuai for her remarkable courage and strength in coming forward. Women around the world are finding their voices so injustices can be corrected. “

The statement further added, “We expect this issue to be handled properly, meaning the allegations must be investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship. Our absolute and unwavering priority is the health and safety of our players. We are speaking out so justice can be done.”

Image Courtesy: Reuters