“Don’t touch her skin color!” Tennis legend Roger Federer has defended Coco Gauff after a wave of criticism, threats and online abuse directed at the young athlete at the China Open “What is happening to Gauff is a crime. How can people be so cruel and abandon a 21-year-old young star who is just starting her journey” Hearing Federer’s words, Coco burst into tears, deeply moved by the support from one of the greatest icons of the sport. In a moment of weakness, she expressed her gratitude, and her sincere response made Federer prouder than ever….
The tennis world was shaken this week when Roger Federer, one of the most respected and beloved figures in sports, publicly defended rising American star Coco Gauff after she became the target of relentless online abuse at the China Open. Gauff, just 21 years old, has faced an unprecedented wave of criticism, including racial insults and threats, during what should have been a defining moment in her young career. Federer’s intervention has not only redirected the global conversation but also reminded the sporting community of the importance of solidarity, compassion, and justice.
Federer, speaking in an impassioned interview following Gauff’s second-round match, did not hold back in his words. “Don’t touch her skin color! What is happening to Coco is a crime,” the Swiss legend declared. “How can people be so cruel and abandon a 21-year-old who is only beginning her journey in this sport? We should be nurturing her, not tearing her down.” His comments quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions across social media and from players around the world who applauded his bravery in standing up against injustice.
For Gauff, the support came at a moment of great vulnerability. Reports suggest that the American had been deeply affected by the negativity directed at her, with the abuse creating an emotional toll that threatened to overshadow her performances on the court. When informed of Federer’s words, Gauff could not hold back her emotions. She broke down in tears, expressing her gratitude for the support of a man she has long admired. “To hear that from Federer… it means more than I can describe,” she said in her post-match press conference, her voice trembling with emotion. “Sometimes you feel alone when the world is against you, but knowing he sees me, that he believes in me—it gave me strength.”
The moment has quickly become one of the most powerful storylines of the tournament, transcending sport to highlight broader issues of race, respect, and mental health in athletics. Fans across the world have rallied behind Gauff, flooding her social media with messages of encouragement, while calling on tennis authorities to implement stronger measures against online abuse. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has also released a statement condemning the harassment, affirming its commitment to protecting players from discriminatory behavior.
Federer’s words carry particular weight, not only because of his legacy as a 20-time Grand Slam champion but also due to his reputation as a statesman of the game. His ability to step into the conversation on behalf of the younger generation underscores the lasting influence he holds within the sport. “It’s moments like these that show why Federer is not just a champion, but a leader,” one commentator observed. “His defense of Gauff could change the way tennis responds to abuse moving forward.”
For Coco Gauff, the support may mark a turning point in how she handles adversity. As she continues her campaign in the China Open, she does so with renewed determination, knowing that one of the greatest players in history stands firmly by her side. In Federer’s eyes, her resilience and sincerity are already making him proud. As he noted, “She will rise above this. And when she does, the world will see the true champion she is meant to be.”
