Gauff backs WTA gene-testing, while criticizing how it creates animosity toward trans community

Coco Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion, has voiced her support for the WTA Tour's new gene-testing policy, but expressed concern over how it has led to hostility towards the trans community. Speaking to reporters at the Canadian Open in Toronto following her match against Kayla Day, Gauff acknowledged the rationale behind the policy aimed at ensuring fairness in women's sports.

However, she disagreed with the "animosity towards the trans community" that the issue has generated. Gauff stated, "I guess I kind of agree with trying to protect the fairness in women's sports. But I also do not like the attack that it is creating. People who don't really care, but just want to use this as a reason to attack the trans community — so I’m not really a big fan of that either."

The WTA Tour's one-off mandatory gene-testing for players competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics involves testing for the SRY gene, which is commonly found on the Y chromosome and signals male sex development in utero. The policy's intent is to distinguish between biological sex and gender identity, with the organization asserting there is "no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person."

However, the mandatory gender screening, which is already in place for other sports like track and field, skiing, and boxing, has been met with criticism from human rights experts and activist groups.