Chairman of the Women's Tennis Association, Steve Simon, has questioned the authenticity of an email, released by Chinese State Media, from tennis player Peng Shuai.

Peng went missing after making sexual assault allegations against a Chinese government official on social media two weeks ago. In a statement, Chairman of the WTA Steve Simon said, "I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her." 

"The statement released today by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts.

 "I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her. Peng Shuai displayed incredible courage in describing an allegation of sexual assault against a former top official in the Chinese government. The WTA and the rest of the world need independent and verifiable proof that she is safe. I have repeatedly tried to reach her via numerous forms of communication, to no avail".

Peng Shuai must be allowed to speak freely, without coercion or intimidation from any source. Her allegation of sexual assault must be respected, investigated with full transparency and without censorship. The voices of women need to be heard and respected, not censored nor dictated to.”