"We should not forget" - Chris Evert and the tennis world remember Peng Shuai as the WTA tour heads back to China after previous boycott

Tennis legend Chris Evert and several tennis fans recently reminisced about Peng Shuai, who has been away from the public eye ever since accusing a former government official of sexual assault.

On Tuesday (September 19), a social media user brought up the former doubles World No. 1 on the cusp of WTA making its return to China. The user stated that fans will not forget about Shuai, before claiming that it is still uncertain whether she is safe.

"The Chinese swing is about to start. We should not forget about Peng Shuai. She still can't speak freely or move out of China. It's crazy that these things still happen in the 21st century," they wrote, followed by a heartbreak emoji.

Chris Evert subsequently reposted the tribute to Peng Shuai. The American, who is one of the biggest figures in the tennis world, had previously rallied for the Chinese player's freedom.

A screen capture of Chris Evert's repost

Other fans joined Evert in remembering Peng Shuai, while also condemning WTA for going back on their promise of not holding tour events in China until the former doubles No. 1's safety was assured.

"Reminder that we still don't know if Peng Shuai is living free from the CCP surveillance and control, and that the tennis community essentially broke its promises to boycott tournaments in China until being assured of her safety and well-being #WhereIsPengShuai," one fan wrote.

"@WTA shame on you for returning back there and she’s not free," another wrote.

Here are a few more reactions:

Chris Evert had previously appreciated WTA for boycotting China, but the women's governing body eventually broke their promise

Chris Evert (L) previously lauded WTA's move to not hold professional tournaments in China

Chris Evert, an 18-time Major winner, had previously expressed admiration over WTA Chairman & CEO Steve Simon deciding to boycott China due to rising concerns about the well-being of Peng Shuai in late 2021.

"Until she sets foot in another country, I will continue to believe her freedom has been taken away. Proud of Steve Simon and the @WTA for postponing tournaments in China…" Chris Evert wrote in early 2022.

This year, however, the organization finally gave in to the pressure as they lifted the suspension of tournament operations in China for the indoor hardcourt season. Currently, pro-tour events are planned to be held in Beijing, Zhengzhou, Gangzhou, Ningbo, and Nanchang.