(Reuters) -The Women’s Tennis Association, (WTA), announced on Wednesday that they have decided to suspend Chinese tournaments due to safety concerns regarding Peng Shuai (previously the number one doubles tennis player in China).

Steve Simon, WTA Chief Executive stated that Peng Shuai cannot communicate openly and was pressured to refute her accusation of sexual assault.

“Given current circumstances, I’m also very concerned about what all our staff and players could be exposed if events were held in China 2022.”

Peng disappeared for three weeks, after Peng posted on social media a claim that China’s ex-Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli had assaulted and raped her.

November 21: IOC President Thomas Bach sat down for a video chat with Peng, a three-time Olympian whose supporters believe he was under political pressure. She told him that she is safe with her family and close friends.

Simon said that the WTA Board of Directors supported the suspension of tournaments in China, but he isn’t convinced Peng is happy.

Simon said, “While Peng’s location is now known, I doubt that Peng has been censored, forced to submit to 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.”