In a powerful moment of solidarity and compassion, Italian tennis star Jasmine Paolini broke her silence on Sunday to defend American player Coco Gauff, who was brought to tears after receiving a wave of racist insults following her defeat in the Madrid Open final.
The 20-year-old Gauff, one of the brightest young stars in tennis, faced harsh online criticism after losing the final to Aryna Sabalenka. Some of the most disturbing comments included racial slurs and vile accusations calling her a “failure” and a “black fraud,” with many blaming her for “crumbling under pressure.”
Gauff, visibly shaken, broke down in tears on the court after the match, which quickly sparked an outpouring of support across the tennis world — including from Paolini, who offered not only kind words but also a sharp critique of the abuse and the toxic culture surrounding young athletes, particularly Black women.
Jasmine Paolini’s Statement: “I Understand You”
On Instagram, Paolini posted a heartfelt message accompanied by a photo of her embracing Gauff at a previous tournament. The post read:
“Capisco te, Coco. I understand you. No one deserves to be humiliated after giving everything on the court. You are not a failure — you are a fighter, a champion, and someone who inspires millions.
The racism, the hate, the cruelty… it must stop. This is not sport. This is not human.”
Paolini’s words quickly went viral, gathering thousands of likes and comments of appreciation from fans and fellow players. Many praised her for using her platform to condemn the racism and emotional toll that athletes like Gauff face under intense public scrutiny.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
Following her loss, Gauff had given a calm and respectful post-match speech, congratulating Sabalenka and thanking the Madrid crowd. But within minutes, her social media feeds were flooded with hateful messages — some attacking her race, others belittling her performance and questioning her place in the top rankings.
Although Gauff has been lauded for her maturity and grace under pressure, this time the barrage appeared too overwhelming. Footage showed her wiping away tears and retreating from the media zone shortly after the match.
Tennis fans quickly rallied behind her, with the hashtag #IStandWithCoco trending on X (formerly Twitter) in several countries.
Global Support and WTA Response
In addition to Paolini, several high-profile figures in tennis and beyond voiced support for Gauff. Billie Jean King wrote, “Coco is an extraordinary young woman and athlete. No one should face racism, ever — especially not in sport.”
Naomi Osaka, who has herself dealt with racism and mental health challenges, sent a direct message to Gauff: “You’re not alone. You’re loved.”
The WTA Tour also issued a statement condemning the racist abuse and affirming their commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all athletes. “There is zero tolerance for racism in our sport,” the statement read. “Coco Gauff is a valued member of the WTA family and a role model for the next generation.”
Racism in Tennis: A Persistent Issue
Unfortunately, Gauff’s experience is not an isolated case. Several Black players — including Osaka, Serena and Venus Williams, and Sloane Stephens — have been targets of similar abuse over the years. While tennis has made strides toward inclusivity, events like this show how much work remains to be done.
Jasmine Paolini’s vocal support is seen as a critical step forward. As a rising figure in European tennis, her message carried weight — especially in countries where open discussions about racism in sport are still rare.
A Moment That Transcends Sport
As the dust settles on the Madrid Open, the conversation has shifted from scores and statistics to something far more important: human dignity.
Coco Gauff may not have lifted the trophy this time, but in standing strong through hate — and in inspiring allies like Paolini to speak out — she has demonstrated the true spirit of a champion.
And Jasmine Paolini’s words — “I understand you” — will surely echo far beyond the court.
