Coco Gauff has defended the WTA's new gene testing policy while speaking out in support of the transgender community, calling on people not to use the rule to create animosity. At the Canadian Open in Toronto, the two-time Grand Slam champion said she backs both the trans community and the need for fairness in women's sport. The WTA has introduced a one-off test for the SRY gene. Gauff said she understands the reasoning behind the move, but believes the discussion around it has generated a great deal of animosity. Her comments come as the debate over transgender athletes in women's sports continues. WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has been praised by the founder of American Heritage Girls for her position on the issue. The same founder expressed disappointment that Caitlin Clark has not spoken out, and questioned why the WNBA should exist if men are allowed to compete. Separately, remarks made by Donald Trump in 2022 about recruiting LeBron James to a women's basketball team have resurfaced amid the wider discussion.