This article contains reference to sexual assault.
The International Olympic Committee talked with Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai last week and said it will meet her in Beijing during next month's Winter Olympics.
Peng's situation has been an international matter of concern since November when the former women's No.1 doubles player alleged that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past.
After that social media post, she was absent from public view for nearly three weeks.
The IOC has had several phone calls with the player but international concerns over her safety and well-being have not been allayed.
"Since the first call that the IOC held with Peng Shuai on 21 November 2021, the IOC team has kept in touch with her and had a number of conversations with her - the last one just the past week," an IOC spokesperson said.
"She mentioned again that she is looking forward to a meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach and Emma Terho, the Chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission, to which we had invited her in the first conversation."
Last month, Peng said she had never accused anyone of sexually assaulting her, and that the post she made had been misunderstood. Mr Zhang has not commented on the matter.
Even this week, fans at the Australian Open, keen to keep the issue in the public eye, have been wearing T-shirts asking where she is.
The controversy escalated after footage captured by a fan showed police and security asking a person to remove their T-shirts, which had the words printed on them: "Where is Peng Shuai?"
Tennis Australia (TA) had said the T-shirts were confiscated because they were deemed political, which contravened its ticketing policy.
After receiving international condemnation for their decision, TA bowed to public pressure and reversed their initial T-shirt ban that raises concern for Peng's welfare.
TA confirmed to SBS News on Tuesday that the wearing of the T-shirts will be permitted at the Australian Open, but large banners could still be barred due to safety concerns.
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has suspended tournaments in China due to its concerns over Peng's safety.
China has not directly commented on Peng's initial post, but said after the WTA's move that it "opposes the politicisation of sports".
Additional reporting by Rayane Tamer.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
