Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, recently spoke candidly about what she perceives as a double standard in Western media’s approach to issues in the Middle East versus the West. Gauff, currently competing in the WTA Finals held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, addressed the scrutiny that often falls on Middle Eastern developments while comparable challenges in the West go comparatively overlooked. In her words, this reflects a “double standard” that has become all too evident to her.
Gauff’s remarks come amid a controversial hosting arrangement, as Saudi Arabia will serve as the venue for the WTA Finals from 2023 through 2026. The decision to award the hosting rights to Saudi Arabia sparked debate, with legendary tennis figures like Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova openly voicing their opposition. Earlier this year, Evert and Navratilova co-authored a letter urging the WTA to reconsider, citing concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the treatment of women. Their plea was rooted in a broader conversation about aligning professional sports with social and ethical values, and it underscored their discomfort with holding the prestigious event in a country that has long been scrutinized for its policies.
Despite this, the deal with Saudi Arabia went through, and Gauff is among the top competitors chasing victory at the WTA Finals. In a recent interview with The National, she was asked to weigh in on Western media’s tendency to spotlight issues in regions like the Middle East, while often sidelining or minimizing controversies at home. Gauff, who has been a vocal advocate for social justice, spoke from personal experience.
“Being a person of color, living especially where I live, it’s definitely a double standard. Like I feel it, and not even being from here, but just even as a tennis player in this space, I feel like people are over-critical of me because of that,” she explained. “I don’t like to always deep dive into it, because then it opens a lot of doors. But yes, I do feel that. And yes, I do know, being from especially America, like we’re not saints either.”
Gauff’s remarks highlight a broader sense of frustration over selective criticism. As a public figure, she has frequently navigated social and cultural challenges, but she emphasized the need for self-reflection across all regions, including her own homeland. Regarding her participation in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, Gauff explained that she felt compelled to see the country firsthand, adding that meaningful change often invites backlash.
“So I do think that in general, it is a very over-critical situation. And for me, I have no problem with criticism, but you have to be able to see your own faults,” she said. “That’s why I think for me, when I made the decision to come here [to Saudi Arabia], I wanted to see how it is for myself. And when you look at history, and you look at the changes that have been made, there’s always going to be backlash and opposition to it.”
Gauff’s decision to speak out reflects a continuing commitment to global engagement and nuanced dialogue. Earlier this year, she lent her voice to raise awareness about violence in the Gaza Strip, following escalating conflicts since October 2023. The Israel-Hamas war has seen devastating casualties on both sides, with reports indicating the death toll has surpassed 43,000 Palestinians and 1,700 Israelis. Gauff’s views on this conflict sparked both praise and backlash from her fans.
“I don’t really support the mass violence going on to innocent people on both ends of the spectrum,” she said in an interview with Time magazine in May 2024. “And there’s one side that’s getting killed at more drastically faster rates than the other side.”
While her comments drew mixed reactions, they underline Gauff’s willingness to address complex global issues, even at the risk of controversy. Her commitment to speaking out and listening remains a cornerstone of her public persona.
Meanwhile, on the court, Gauff is focused on her current campaign at the WTA Finals. She secured a decisive victory over fellow American Jessica Pegula in her first match, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash with former World No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. As the tennis world watches her every move, both for her achievements on the court and her commentary off it, Gauff continues to navigate the intersection of sports, society, and global politics with an unwavering sense of purpose.