Four-time Grand Slam-winner Naomi Osaka has appealed for more information on the condition of Peng Shuai amid the ongoing concerns regarding her safety in China.
Former doubles ace Peng became the focus of global concern in early November after she accused former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault on social media, before the post was deleted.
The 36-year-old then went missing for around a fortnight—as Osaka said she was "in shock" at the situation—though appearances over video call since then haven't alleviated suspicions concerning her safety.
And after beginning her Australian Open title defence with a 6-3 6-3 win over Colombia's Camila Osorio, Osaka appealed for an update on Peng's status while praising the WTA's handling of the situation.
“I haven’t heard any news," the Japan-born superstar said on Monday.
“I’m not sure if that’s concerning or not. But I think the WTA, the whole organisation, they handled it really well.
“I’m really proud of them. I feel like it’s a situation where we need more information, which is definitely really hard.
“I think everyone is waiting.”
Fears over Peng's freedom have had a far-reaching impact, contributing to the decision of certain western superpowers to diplomatically boycott the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has managed to communicate with Peng remotely, although it's understood the WTA is yet to have any meaningful contact with its star.
Peng spoke at an event in Shanghai in December when she reiterated she was not in danger, as well as insisting she was never the victim of sexual assault by Zhang.
"Why would there be someone keeping watch on me? I've always been very free," she said.
"I want to emphasise one point that is really important. I never said or wrote that I was sexually assaulted.
"And I think that everyone has a lot of misunderstandings of what happened. All those twisted misinterpretations are simply not true."
Osaka, 24, appeared eager to continue pressing the matter despite Peng's protests, with suspicion still apparent that the Chinese veteran could be a victim of coercion.
Two-time Australian Open champion Osaka is targeting back-to-back titles in Melbourne as she looks to successfully defend a major crown for the first time in her career.
The No. 13 seed will face American Madison Brengle in the next round of the competition, but her commitments in Australia aren't sufficient to detract from Peng's situation in China.
Peng has competed in 15 of the past 17 editions of the Australian Open, and her absence from this year's draw marks the first time since turning pro that she's been absent from back-to-back majors in Melbourne.
