Gauff criticizes using WTA gene test to 'attack'

TORONTO -- Coco Gauff understands the reasoning behind the WTA Tour's newly introduced gene-testing policy. What the two-time Grand Slam champion doesn't favor is how politicized the discussion becomes in generating what Gauff called "animosity towards the trans community." To her, the topic requires a more nuanced conversation, which is why Gauff provided what she called a nuanced answer, in speaking to reporters at the Canadian Open in Toronto following her opening-match win over Kayla Day on Wednesday. "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 said. "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." Her comments come in response to the Women's Tennis Association last month introducing one-off mandatory gene testing for all players as a requirement to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Players are being tested for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA typically found on the Y chromosome that initiates male sex development in utero and indicates the presence of testes. It remained unclear how many, if any, transgender women are competing at the Olympic level, let alone on the WTA Tour. The WTA said that the policy distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity and that there is "no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person." The mandatory gender screening -- already conducted by the governing bodies of track and field, skiing, and boxing -- has been criticized by human rights experts and activist groups. Gauff questioned whether the introduction of the process could have been more transparent by noting that some players didn't find out about the new policy until it was announced. World No. 2 Elena Rybakina also spoke on the testing policy after her win over Daria Kasatkina on Wednesday. "If we got to do it, we will do it," she said. "For me, I won't say it's unnecessary, but I think it was without these tests also fine. But if we need to do it, we will do it." Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.