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Coco Gauff has received a congratulatory message from former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines after her triumph at the 2025 French Open. However, tennis fans have not taken kindly to Gaines' shoutout because of her vocal opposition to transgender athletes competing in women's sports.
In a blockbuster final at the claycourt Major, Gauff defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 to clinch her second Grand Slam title. The American was showered with love from tennis players like Carlos Alcaraz, Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal, as well as notable figures like Barack Obama, Caitlin Clark and Matthew McConaughey, after her triumph.
Riley Gaines was among those lauding Coco Gauff, sharing a patriotic message to celebrate the 21-year-old's feat.
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"COCO GAUFF the woman you are!!!!! And at 21 years old.... USA USA USA 🇺🇸," Gaines posted on X.
However, the message did not sit well with tennis fans because of Gaines' views on transgender athletes, which have often landed her in controversy. Gaines was recently embroiled in a public spat with Simone Biles after the celebrated gymnast called her out for being "truly sick."
As such, fans were quick to argue that Gauff likely wouldn't appreciate a message from Riley Gaines and warned her to "stay away."
"She definitely hates you," one fan commented.
"It's not a group project... Stay away from her, loser!" another fan chimed in.
"I highly doubt that Coco Gauff wants you as a fan…," said another.
Fans also pointed to Gauff's heartwarming message about being an ally during Pride Month to alert Gaines that the 21-year-old did not share her views.
"@CocoGauff supports the LGBTQ community. MAGA trying to use her in their grift is goofy, yet hilarious," one fan commented.
"Bookmark this for when Coco comes out against Riley and she makes that her whole life," another fan wrote.
"You could learn something from her, Riley," said another.
Coco Gauff has often spoken about her support for the LGBTQ community. In 2022, the American strongly opposed Florida's controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill with a firm statement.
"Coco Gauff uses her platform to always be on the right side of history" - Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs after American's French Open win
Following Coco Gauff's triumph at the 2025 French Open, Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs reshared and praised the 21-year-old's heartfelt Pride Month message.
Stubbs referred to Gauff as a stellar role model, pointing out that the World No. 2 had always made sure to use her platform to support marginalized communities.
"I just want to repost this! This young woman has always been a role model in every sense! Her composure on court today showed that. Her outreach to the marginalized, the fact that she uses her platform to always be on the right side of history. 👏👏👏," Stubbs posted on X.
On the tennis front, Gauff will now turn her attention to the grass season. After a short break, the American is set to be back in action at the WTA 500 Berlin Tennis Open, which begins on June 16.
