Coco Gauff Comments on WTA’s Gene-Testing Policy

During a press conference at the Canadian Open in Toronto, Coco Gauff expressed her understanding of the WTA Tour’s newly introduced gene-testing policy, which is a requirement for players to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. However, the two-time Grand Slam champion voiced concerns about the politicization of the discussion surrounding the policy, noting it has generated “animosity towards the trans community.”

“So, yes, 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,” Gauff stated. She criticized individuals who, in her view, exploit the topic to target the trans community.

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) introduced this mandatory testing to assess players for the SRY gene, typically located on the Y chromosome, which plays a role in male sex development in utero. The specific impact of this policy on transgender women in the sport remains unclear, including how many such athletes compete at the Olympic level or on the WTA Tour.

The WTA emphasized that the policy aims to draw a distinction between biological sex and gender identity, asserting that there is “no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person.” This mandatory gene screening follows similar practices already instituted by the governing bodies of other sports, such as track and field, skiing, and boxing, and has elicited criticism from human rights advocates.

Gauff highlighted that transparency regarding the new policy could have been improved, noting that some players were unaware of the changes until they were publicly announced. Concurrently, World No. 2 Elena Rybakina also commented on the gene-testing policy after her match against Daria Kasatkina, stating, “If we got to do it, we will do it. For me, I won’t say it’s unnecessary, but I think it was fine without these tests also.” She indicated her willingness to comply with the requirement if necessary.