Coco Gauff cries and says, “I don’t want to be discriminated against because of the color of my skin” after the controversy with Lois Boisson

The recent controversy involving Lois Boisson has shaken the tennis world, leaving fans and players alike in shock. Following her defeat in the Roland-Garros semifinals, Lois Boisson made a controversial statement about Coco Gauff, saying, “She’s just a Black woman.” This statement sparked a series of reactions, leading to the immediate intervention of the ITF (International Tennis Federation), which decided to impose the most severe sanction in history: a one-month suspension and a $100,000 fine on Boisson.

Coco Gauff, visibly affected by the situation, broke her silence and spoke about the incident with great emotion. In an interview, Gauff said through tears: “I don’t want to be discriminated against because of the color of my skin. I understand that when you’re angry, it’s hard to control your emotions, so I agree to forgive Lois for what she said. I don’t feel hurt, but I want everyone to know that words have a big impact and shouldn’t be used to hurt others.”

The American player, known for her maturity and emotional intelligence, added that although she was shocked and saddened by Boisson’s words, she agreed to forgive her. “I did it for the good of everyone, because the most important thing is mutual respect,” Coco said. “No one would like to be judged by the color of their skin, and I hope this incident serves to raise greater awareness in tennis and society in general.”

The ITF’s reaction was also forceful, acting swiftly to sanction Lois Boisson with the heaviest penalty possible. Fans were shocked by the severity of the sanction, as such a strict penalty had never been imposed for an incident of this nature. However, the ITF’s swift intervention underscores the importance the organization places on respect within the sport.

Although Coco Gauff shared her grief and shock over the incident, her forgiving attitude and call for unity and respect continue to demonstrate the maturity that characterizes her both on and off the court. The 19-year-old remains an example of how tennis, and sport in general, can be platforms for promoting tolerance and understanding.