Coco Gauff, the French Open champion, has expressed her concerns over the prevalence of online abuse in the sports community following the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) recent disclosure that nearly 50,000 female players have encountered such issues. The WTA’s report, released in response to growing pressure from athletes and fans, has sparked a renewed debate about the role of social media platforms in safeguarding individuals from harassment and cyberbullying. Gauff, whose recent success on the court has made her a prominent figure in the tennis world, has used her platform to voice her support for stricter policies and greater accountability from tech companies. She argues that the current measures are inadequate and that more comprehensive actions are needed to protect athletes and other vulnerable groups from online abuse.
The WTA’s findings, which detail not only the high incidence of abuse but also the lack of effective remedial actions by social media companies, have prompted calls for urgent reforms. While the organization has committed to working with platforms to find solutions, many players have expressed frustration over the slow response. Gauff has called for immediate action, citing the need to create a safer online environment for women in sports and beyond. Her comments have been met with broad support, with numerous players and advocates joining her in demanding greater oversight and transparency from the tech industry. As the debate continues, the WTA and other sports federations are expected to play a key role in shaping the future of online safety and accountability.