“Touching her is like touching me…” Tennis legend Roger Federer once again spoke up to defend Coco Gauff when she was constantly criticized at the China Open, causing a heated debate. This should have been a glamorous playground, but it turned into a battlefield full of harsh words and dark plots. 5 minutes later, Gauff smiled and replied with 10 words that made Federer…

Touching her is like touching me…” Tennis legend Roger Federer once again spoke up to defend Coco Gauff when she was constantly criticized at the China Open, causing a heated debate. This should have been a glamorous playground, but it turned into a battlefield full of harsh words and dark plots. 5 minutes later, Gauff smiled and replied with 10 words that made Federer…

A Spark in the Tennis World
The China Open 2026 was expected to be a glamorous showcase of the world’s best players. Instead, it became the stage for one of the most heated controversies in recent tennis history

At the center of it all was Coco Gauff, the young American star who had risen rapidly in the WTA rankings. Admired for her explosive game and charisma, she suddenly found herself under a wave of relentless criticism: accusations of arrogance, claims of favoritism, and whispers of “manufactured stardom.”

What should have been a celebration of tennis talent was quickly turning into a battlefield of words.

Federer Steps In
It was at this boiling point that Roger Federer, the Swiss Maestro and one of the greatest legends in tennis, made his voice heard.

In a statement that immediately went viral, Federer declared:

“Touching her is like touching me.”

Roger Federer | The Official site of Roger Federer

With these words, Federer wasn’t just defending Gauff — he was aligning himself with her, making it clear that attacks on Coco were also an attack on the integrity and spirit of the game he had dedicated his life to.

The comment ignited a firestorm. Supporters praised Federer for standing up for the younger generation. Critics accused him of shielding Gauff unfairly. And in the middle of the storm, Coco herself remained calm.

Why Federer’s Words Hit So Hard
Federer is more than a retired champion; he is a symbol of elegance, sportsmanship, and respect in tennis. His endorsement of Gauff carried enormous weight.

For Gauff’s fans, it was validation: proof that one of the sport’s greatest saw her as worthy of protection and admiration.Ropa deportiva

For skeptics, it was fuel for further criticism: accusations that Gauff was being “coddled” and given preferential treatment.

For the media, it was a goldmine: Federer’s rare intervention made the story global.

Suddenly, the China Open was no longer just about forehands and backhands — it was about legacies, generations, and the very soul of tennis.

The Harsh Criticism Against Gauff
To understand the controversy, it’s important to see the nature of the criticism Gauff faced.

Some pundits accused her of being “too outspoken” for her age.

Others claimed she was being unfairly marketed as “the new Serena Williams,” creating impossible expectations.