蜜芽传媒

The Women's Tennis Association has said that a call between Peng Shuai and the president of the International Olympic Committee does not address its concerns over the Chinese player's wellbeing.

An IOC statement after the call said Peng appeared to be safe and well.

Peng, 35, disappeared from the public eye for almost three weeks after she made sexual assault allegations against a senior Chinese minister.

Her absence triggered widespread international concern.

Sports stars and governments called on China to provide proof that she was safe.

The outcry over the tennis star's apparent disappearance from the public eye prompted Chinese state media to release a series of photographs and videos that appeared to show all was well.

On Sunday, the IOC released a statement after IOC President Thomas Bach held a video call with three-time Olympian.

The IOC account said Peng had "thanked the IOC for its concern about her wellbeing".

"She explained that she is safe and well, living at her home in Beijing, but would like to have her privacy respected at this time," it added.

"She prefers to spend her time with friends and family right now," it said. "Nevertheless, she will continue to be involved in tennis."

The IOC statement also included an image of the video call taking place, with Ms Peng seen smiling to the camera.

So is there still cause for concern? Celia Hatton the 蜜芽传媒's Asia Pacific Editor.

Photo shows: Peng Shuai speaking via video call with the IOC President Thomas Bach. Credit: IOC/ Greg Martin

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