Coco Gauff has made her position on the WTA’s new sex-testing policy clear — although she knows there is no simple answer.
The world No. 1 addressed the controversial measure ahead of her 2026 Canadian Open campaign, backing the WTA’s stated aim of protecting fairness in women’s tennis while condemning the hostility the debate has generated towards the transgender community.
The policy, introduced by the WTA in July, requires players to provide a cheek swab, blood or saliva sample to test for the SRY gene. Players must test negative to remain eligible to compete on the women’s tour.
The decision has divided opinion, with Aryna Sabalenka among the leading players to publicly support the policy. Gauff, however, took a more complicated view when asked about it at her pre-tournament press conference.
“I know it’s been something that’s been talked about for awhile,” Gauff said, adding that several players she had spoken to were unaware of the policy until the WTA’s announcement. She suggested there could have been greater transparency between the governing body and players before the measure was introduced.
Gauff ultimately said she understood why the WTA had brought in the testing requirement, particularly when it comes to biological differences and competitive fairness.
But she also objected to the way the issue has been used to target transgender people.
“I do think that this kind of conversation has created a lot of animosity toward the trans community, which I’m not really a big fan of,” Gauff said. At the same time, she acknowledged “the need to protect that and preserve” fairness in women’s sport.
For Gauff, the two positions are not mutually exclusive.
“I think it’s a conversation that is very nuanced. I need to have a nuanced answer,” she said. “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.”
She went further, arguing that some people may be using the debate as an excuse to attack transgender people rather than engage with the sporting question itself.
“So as far as where I stand, I definitely support the trans community, but I also support the need for creating fairness in sport too,” Gauff said.
The comments come as Gauff continues her Canadian Open campaign. After receiving a first-round bye, she defeated fellow American Kayla Day 6-2, 7-5 on August 5 to reach the third round.
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Last modified: August 6, 2026
