American tennis player Coco Gauff has voiced her perspective on the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) recent implementation of a one-off gene test for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA typically associated with male development. Gauff stated her support for fairness in women's sports but expressed disapproval of the policy being used to target the transgender community.
Gauff acknowledged the debate surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports, referencing comments made by WNBA star Sophie Cunningham that advocated for biological males not competing against females. Gauff indicated that she understands the reasoning behind efforts to ensure fairness in women's sports and agrees with the principle of biological females competing in women's sports. However, she is critical of the animosity directed towards the transgender community that has arisen from these discussions.
"I also understand, I guess, the biological difference and the need to protect that and preserve that," Gauff said. "So I think it’s a conversation that is very nuanced, and I need to have a nuanced answer. 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. 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's new policy, which requires a one-off test for the SRY gene, was introduced as a requirement for players competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The organization stated that the policy distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity, asserting it has "no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person."
The mandatory genetic screening, which is also used by governing bodies in track and field, skiing, and boxing, has drawn criticism from human rights experts and activist groups. Gauff also raised questions about the transparency of the policy's introduction, noting that some players were only made aware of it upon its public announcement.