The United Nations has stepped into the ugly aftermath of Coco Gauff's China Open victory, condemning the torrent of racist messages that have flooded the tennis star's social media accounts.
Gauff's straight-sets win over Sun Xinran on October 5 should have been a routine triumph, but a disputed hindrance call during the opening set turned the match into a flashpoint. Serving at 4-5, Gauff paused mid-rally, claiming a hindrance, and was granted a replay of the point—a decision that infuriated the crowd and sparked a vicious online backlash.
Messages filled with racial slurs and threats poured in, prompting Gauff to address the situation directly: "Hey everyone, you can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist. The amount of racist comments/dms I've received in the last few hours is insane. Lastly, I'm not a cheater or a thief."
Now, the United Nations Human Rights Office has weighed in, issuing a strong statement on social media: "Racist messages such as those targeting tennis player @CocoGauff online are appalling and illustrate that Black female athletes are specifically targeted for vitriol and racial abuse. There is no place in sport for racial or sexist slurs and abuse. Players, coaches, and sports bodies need to stand up for those facing such attacks and fans need to push back against those who sully sport with racism and sexism."
The UN's rebuke echoes the outpouring of support from tennis fans who have rallied behind Gauff, but the 20-year-old has already moved on. She announced her withdrawal from the Wuhan Open, citing fatigue after a grueling season. "I'm disappointed to withdraw from Wuhan, especially as the defending champion," Gauff said. "I always love playing there. After a long year, my body needs some time to rest and recover. I look forward to returning next year."
Gauff's decision to skip Wuhan means fans will have to wait for her next appearance, but the American star has confirmed she will compete in the Billie Jean King Cup playoff tie between Hungary and the United States.
As the tennis world rallies around Gauff, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against abuse in sports. The UN's involvement signals a growing recognition that such behavior is not just a personal attack but a systemic issue that demands a collective response.
For now, Gauff remains focused on the court, with plenty of supporters in her corner as she looks to close out the season on a high note.
