Coco Gauff faced a torrent of racist abuse on social media following an incident at the China Open, where she stopped a point due to a malfunctioning LED board. The controversy has now sparked criticism of the WTA’s response from prominent figures in professional tennis.
Brad Gilbert, Gauff’s former coach, publicly condemned the tour’s handling of the situation. “What I was most disappointed about… They never backed up the players. They never said anything,” Gilbert stated, highlighting the lack of clear communication from the WTA during the incident’s aftermath.
Tour Under Fire
Andrea Petkovic, the former professional tennis player, joined Gilbert in criticizing how the WTA managed the controversy. Both figures expressed frustration that the governing body failed to issue a definitive public statement or take visible steps to protect Gauff from the online harassment she endured.
The incident unfolded when Gauff stopped play at the China Open after spotting the LED board flickering during competition. Rather than receiving support, she instead became the target of racist attacks across social media platforms in the days that followed.
Support From Tennis Establishment
The criticism from Gilbert and Petkovic reflects broader concern within the tennis community about player protection. Other notable figures in the sport, including former tennis champions Chris Evert and Andy Roddick, have also voiced their support for Gauff during this challenging period.
The China Open controversy has reignited debate about the WTA’s duty to safeguard its players from abuse and discrimination. With Gauff facing racist vitriol stemming from an incident entirely beyond her control, the calls for stronger governance responses continue to mount from those who have experienced professional tennis at the highest levels.