Australian Open officials ask fans to remove T-shirts with slogan 'Where is Peng Shuai?'

9:47 PM

Fans at the Australian Open were asked by security to remove T-shirts with the slogan "Where is Peng Shuai?" which references the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Chinese former tennis player's well-being and whereabouts.

In November, the former world No. 14 singles player and part of a No. 1 doubles tandem took to social media to accuse a Chinese Communist Party member of pressuring her into sex. Concerns over her safety and ability to communicate with the rest of the world were raised after she disappeared from social media.

Fans at the Australian Open were approached by security and asked to remove shirts with a slogan on them after a video was uploaded on Saturday. A member of security held a banner.

Police arrived at the scene and confirmed the security crew's position. The Australian Open has a rule that you can't have political slogans, according to an officer.

Tennis Australia sets the rules, even if you don't agree with them, I am saying that.

Security is allowed to take the shirts and the banner.

The video was viewed over 50,000 times on TikTok.

Tennis Australia said in a statement that it's its primary concern is the safety of Peng Shuai, but that fans are not allowed to display political statements at the tournament.

The ticket conditions of entry don't allow clothing, banners or signs that are commercial or political. eng Shuai's safety is our primary concern. We will do everything we can to ensure her well-being, as we continue to work with the WTA and global tennis community to seek more clarity on her situation.

During the Australian Open, players have been allowed to speak to the media about the situation with Peng, and prominent players have continued to express their concern for the well-being of the former player.

Naomi Osaka said last Wednesday that she wanted people to care for her too, and that it was important to continue to ask questions.

"I imagine myself in her shoes, and it's a little bit scary," Osaka said last week. You want people to ask the questions and you want to lend your voice.

The situation remained unfortunate, said Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open winner.

Even though from our side, we will continue to make any and all efforts to make sure that she is safe, she feels comfortable," she said.