BEIJING (Reuters). -Peng Shuai is a Chinese tennis star who has been free to stay at her house and plans on making a public appearance soon, Global Times editor Hu Xijin, a respected state-media journalist said.

Peng, former world number one in doubles, hasn’t been publicly seen since Nov. 2, when she claimed on Chinese social media that Zhang Gaoli, her vice-premier had coerced Peng into having sex. Later they began a consensual relationship.

Zhang and the Chinese government did not comment on Peng’s allegation. Peng deleted her social media post quickly and it was removed from the discussion board on China’s highly censored internet.

She said that she had remained at home for the last few days and didn’t like being disturbed. She will show up in public and participate in some activities soon,” Hu wrote https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1461905928324669446 on Twitter (NYSE:).

The Global Times is published by the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of China’s ruling Communist Party.

Hu stated that he was able to confirm through sources the authenticity of photos taken by Peng in her home on Twitter.

Reuters could not independently verify authenticity of these images.

Amid growing concern about her whereabouts, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has threatened https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/china-editor-says-he-does-not-think-peng-faces-retribution-2021-11-19 to pull tournaments out of China and the men’s ATP has demanded clarity from the Chinese authorities. Peng has been asked by the United States to provide proof that Peng is safe and whereabouts.

Dick Pound, a top IOC member said that the International Olympic Committee might be pushed by Beijing Olympic hosts 2022 to adopt a more aggressive stance.

The IOC declined to comment so far on Peng’s case, stating that it believes “quiet diplomacy”, was the most effective way to find a solution.