Peng Shuai’s last public appearance, one that was staged, took place at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Since then, she has been a “non-entity…”
Having accused Zhang Gaoli, the former Chinese vice-premier, of abusing her on Weibo in November 2021, she recanted the statement saying it had been “an enormous misunderstanding…”
The 2013 Ladies Doubles winner at The Championships, Wimbledon, she also claimed the 2014 Roland Garros Women’s Doubles title, both with Hsieh Su-wei, and she was the first Chinese player to become World No. 1 in doubles. And has been “Ghosted…” She has no social media presence…
The WTA boycotted China for 16 months but with the need for financing, returned to the tennis scene there… feeling that its continued absence would hamper success. In 2025, two WTA 1000 and one 500 tournaments, along with several 125s, took place and the profits were record-setting.
Ethical sacrifices for profits… portrays that the situation continues to be further amiss…
In his December 3rd Sports Illustrated column Jon Wertheim wrote, “Credit to Ben Rothenberg for raising an interesting point: Peng Shuai would be eligible [to be inducted, based on the year of her retirement] next year. What if the Hall of Fame did what so many other tennis institutions fail to do and called attention to what is, at best, a strange and disturbing set of circumstances?
“Yes, this would be a form of grandstanding. But also, an implied acknowledgement that tennis has not forgotten her.
“And look at her credentials. She is the first Chinese player to reach No. 1 (in doubles in 2014), an absolute A-lister in doubles (including multiple major titles), and a top 15 singles ranking with nearly 500 wins? A pioneer figure in Chinese tennis – now a major WTA market – and women’s sports. Putting her on the ballot would be a legit move.”
Title photo of Peng Shuai at Roland Garros in 2012 by Dana Anders