Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic — 2 of the greatest tennis players alive — are speaking out on the disappearance of tennis player Peng Shuai … who vanished after accusing a powerful Chinese politician of sexual assault.
“Hey everyone, not sure if you’ve been following the news but I was recently informed of a fellow tennis player that has gone missing shortly after revealing that she has been sexually abused,” the 4x Grand Slam winner wrote on social media.
“Censorship is never ok at any cost, I hope Peng Shuai and her family are safe and ok. I’m in shock of the current situation and I’m sending love and light her way. #whereispengshuai”
The case is disturbing. Shuai — formerly the #1 ranked doubles player in the world — hasn’t been seen in nearly 2 weeks after she claimed Zhang Gaoli, a powerful, retired politician sexually assaulted her around 3 years ago.
Gaoli was at one time the vice premier of the People’s Republic of China … making him essentially 2nd in command of all of China.
In Peng’s post, the former Wimbledon and French Open winner accused Gaoli — with who she admits to previously having a sexual relationship — of inviting her to Beijing to play tennis with him and his wife. However, after the game, Shuai claims the situation took a frightening turn, alleging the 70-something-year-old politician pressured her into sex.
The disturbing post was removed shortly after it was posted by Peng. She has not been heard from since.
Stars from across the tennis world, including Billie Jean King and Chris Evert, have raised concerns over Peng’s whereabouts.
Even Novak Djokovic, the world’s #1 ranked tennis player spoke out, saying, “When I heard the story of Peng Shuai I was shocked. I hope she is well and that we can find her as soon as possible.”
Peng is still missing … and many people around the world are calling for answers.