UN Human Rights Office Condemns Racist Abuse Targeting Gauff

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Gauff was targeted after stopping play during a crucial ‌point in her win over Sun Xinran at the China Open, raising her hand to complain about a flickering advertising board as Sun was about to hit a winner.

Women’s tennis governing body WTA responded to ​the incident, saying they were appalled by the racist abuse directed at Gauff, and ​are in contact with her to offer full support.

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The official UN Human Rights office posted a statement on Saturday calling for players, coaches and sports bodies to unite against racial and sexist abuse.

“Racist messages such as those targeting tennis player Coco Gauff online ​are appalling and illustrate ​that Black female ⁠athletes are specifically targeted for vitriol and racial abuse,” it wrote on X.

“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.”

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