<p>The WTA, the principal body that runs women's professional tennis, on Wednesday demanded a private meeting with Peng Shuai before any potential return of the circuit to China.</p>.<p>"We have received confirmation that Peng is safe and comfortable, but we have not yet met with her personally," the WTA said in a statement.</p>.<p>"As we would do with any of our players globally, we have called for a formal investigation into the allegations by the appropriate authorities and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with Peng - privately - to discuss her situation."</p>.<p>The former doubles world number one has not been seen outside China since first making, and then withdrawing, accusations of sexual assault against a high-ranking official.</p>.<p>Peng had alleged in a social media post that former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli forced her into sex during a years-long relationship, but has since twice denied she accused anyone of sexual assault and described the situation as a "huge misunderstanding".</p>.<p>"We continue to hold firm on our position and our thoughts remain with Peng Shuai and the WTA continues to work towards a resolution," the WTA said.</p>.<p>"While we have always indicated we are hopeful we will be in a position to again operate WTA events in the region, we will not compromise our founding principles in order to do so.</p>.<p>"There has not been any change in the WTA position on a return to China and we have only confirmed our 2023 calendar through US Open.</p>.<p>"A return to the region will require a resolution to the Peng Shuai situation in which Peng took a bold step in publicly coming forth with the accusation that she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government leader."</p>
<p>The WTA, the principal body that runs women's professional tennis, on Wednesday demanded a private meeting with Peng Shuai before any potential return of the circuit to China.</p>.<p>"We have received confirmation that Peng is safe and comfortable, but we have not yet met with her personally," the WTA said in a statement.</p>.<p>"As we would do with any of our players globally, we have called for a formal investigation into the allegations by the appropriate authorities and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with Peng - privately - to discuss her situation."</p>.<p>The former doubles world number one has not been seen outside China since first making, and then withdrawing, accusations of sexual assault against a high-ranking official.</p>.<p>Peng had alleged in a social media post that former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli forced her into sex during a years-long relationship, but has since twice denied she accused anyone of sexual assault and described the situation as a "huge misunderstanding".</p>.<p>"We continue to hold firm on our position and our thoughts remain with Peng Shuai and the WTA continues to work towards a resolution," the WTA said.</p>.<p>"While we have always indicated we are hopeful we will be in a position to again operate WTA events in the region, we will not compromise our founding principles in order to do so.</p>.<p>"There has not been any change in the WTA position on a return to China and we have only confirmed our 2023 calendar through US Open.</p>.<p>"A return to the region will require a resolution to the Peng Shuai situation in which Peng took a bold step in publicly coming forth with the accusation that she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government leader."</p>