Tennis star Peng Shuai says there has been a "huge misunderstanding" over a post in which she claimed she was forced into having sexual relations with a former Chinese party leader. The November 2021 social media post was swiftly deleted and Ms Peng disappeared for weeks, sparking global concern.

The Women's Tennis Association has announced the immediate suspension of all tournaments in China amid concern for Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai. Peng, 35, disappeared from public view for three weeks after accusing a top Chinese official of sexual assault.

Peng Shuai said she was "forced" to have sexual relations with former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli Earlier this year, Peng Shuai, one of China's top tennis players, accused former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of coercing her into having sex. Since posting the accusations on social media, there has been widespread concern about her wellbeing and safety.

Peng’s well-being became the subject of international concern in November after a lengthy social media post that appeared to accuse Zhang Gaoli, the former vice premier of the Chinese government, of sexually assaulting her as part of a yearslong affair.

Chinese tennis star tennis has retracted sexual assault claims and denied that she had made allegations against a senior Chinese minister on social media. In her first interview with foreign press since her story came to light last month, the former top ranked doubles player described the storm surrounding her claims as a "misunderstanding".