UN rights office condemns racist abuse directed at Coco Gauff

The United Nations human rights office condemned racist abuse directed at American tennis player Coco Gauff on October 10 and urged the sporting community to support players facing such attacks.

The office said Black female athletes were particular targets of racism and hostile commentary. Led by Volker Türk, it called on players, coaches and sports organisations to defend those affected, and on fans to challenge racist and sexist abuse.

Gauff had reported a large volume of abusive messages after a disputed point during Monday's China Open match against Sun Xinran. Associated Press also confirmed the UN statement and the player's earlier complaints.

The two-time Grand Slam champion is ranked No. 4 in the world. She lost to Elise Mertens two days after the Sun match.

The new development is the rights office's response to online abuse. Its statement announces neither disciplinary penalties against specific users nor findings from an investigation into their actions.