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Aust Open boss seeking news of China star

3 minute read

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley says he's using all channels of communication to seek assurance of the safety of Chinese star Peng Shuai.

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley says he's seeking assurances of the well-being of Chinese star Peng Shuai, who has been missing since she alleged a powerful Chinese politician sexually assaulted her.

The 35-year-old has been a popular visitor to Melbourne Park, twice reaching the round of 16, while she's a two-time grand slam doubles winner at Wimbledon and the French Open.

She reached the final four of the US Open in 2014 in her best major singles result.

"Everyone is aware of the Peng Shuai situation, the primary thing for us is to make sure she is safe," Tiley said at the Australian Open launch on Saturday.

"We have utilised our channels, we have been working behind the scenes to find out and get more clarity about her safety.

"Our position is very clear: we want to know that she is safe and then secondly we want her to know as a community, not only a global tennis community, but as a community here in Australia we will do everything we can to support her wellbeing.

"It is a matter we are building more clarity on as time goes on and we're using every possible channel that we can to assure her safety."

The Women's Tennis Association has threatened to withdraw all tournaments from China if her location is not soon revealed.

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