The sports world is reeling after yet another controversy strikes the tennis circuit. In what’s now being dubbed the biggest Tennis Player Scandal of 2025, a racist tweet allegedly authored by world-ranked player Alicia Grant has resurfaced—sending shockwaves through social media, sports journalism, and her sponsorship partners. The tweet, dated nearly a decade ago, contains offensive racial slurs that have ignited widespread backlash. With the Grand Slam season in full swing and media attention at its peak, this scandal couldn’t have come at a worse time for the rising American star.
While Alicia Grant has issued a public apology, the tennis community and public at large remain divided. Some question whether the post reflects who she is today, while others argue such behavior—past or present—cannot be ignored. Brands are pulling partnerships, fans are debating online, and tournament organizers are assessing how to respond.
Let’s break down the Tennis Player Scandal that has everyone talking.
Scandal Summary
At the center of this controversy is Alicia Grant, a 23-year-old tennis prodigy who entered 2025 ranked #6 in the WTA standings. On July 15, an old tweet from her now-deleted secondary account (@grantgirl98) was unearthed by a Reddit user. The tweet, posted in 2016 when Grant was just 14, used a racial slur and made a disparaging joke aimed at African immigrants.
Within hours, screenshots of the tweet went viral on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Calls for accountability flooded in as fans, celebrities, and journalists began demanding a response. Grant initially remained silent, but following mounting pressure, she addressed the issue through a Notes App-style statement posted to her Instagram stories, claiming she was “young, ignorant, and deeply ashamed.”
But the damage was done. The tweet has ignited serious questions about racism in tennis, the long-term impact of social media history, and whether redemption is truly possible in the age of cancel culture.
Background & Build-Up
Alicia Grant isn’t just any athlete—she’s been the face of “next-gen tennis” for nearly four years. Known for her athleticism, poise under pressure, and marketability, she secured endorsement deals with Nike, Rolex, and Gatorade before turning 21. A mixed-race player herself, Grant was often held up as a symbol of progress and inclusion in a sport that has often struggled with diversity.
Yet, this isn’t her first brush with controversy. In 2023, she was criticized for downplaying Black Lives Matter during an interview, stating that “athletes should stick to sports.” Although she later clarified her stance, critics accused her of avoiding responsibility.
This history, combined with the resurfaced tweet, is leading many to reassess her character—and raising questions about how tennis institutions vet and support their athletes beyond the court.
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Timeline of Events
July 15, 2025 – A Reddit user shares a screenshot of the 2016 tweet, which includes a racial slur and an anti-immigrant remark.
July 15, 2025 (Later that day) – The tweet trends on X under the hashtag #CancelGrant. Sports blogs and mainstream news outlets begin coverage.
July 16, 2025 – Alicia Grant deletes the account in question and issues an apology on Instagram, saying she was “deeply sorry for the words of a teenage version of myself.”
July 17, 2025 – Nike and Rolex announce they are “reviewing their partnership” with Grant. Social media discussions intensify.
July 18, 2025 – Serena Williams and Coco Gauff release statements condemning racism in sports without directly naming Grant.
July 20, 2025 – Grant is dropped from her Gatorade contract. WTA issues a statement saying they are “monitoring the situation.”
July 21, 2025 – #GrantOut trends globally. Sponsors begin removing her image from websites and advertising.
Truth Check Table
| Claim | Status | Source or Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Alicia Grant posted a racist tweet in 2016 | True | Screenshot verified by multiple media outlets |
| The account belonged to Alicia Grant | True | IP-linked and confirmed by her PR team |
| Alicia Grant has been suspended from WTA events | False | No official suspension as of July 24, 2025 |
| Sponsors have terminated their contracts with her | True (partially) | Gatorade confirmed; Nike and Rolex under review |
| The tweet was photoshopped or fabricated | False | Digital forensic experts verified its authenticity |
| Grant has apologized publicly | True | Instagram story dated July 16, 2025 |
| This is her first controversial statement on racial matters | False | Past interview controversies in 2023 widely documented |
Expert or Media Commentary
Veteran sports journalist Laura Chen wrote in The Athletic:
“This isn’t just about a tweet—it’s about what tennis tolerates and what it ignores. Grant is an exceptional talent, but the tennis world must decide if character matters as much as skill.”
Bryan James, a diversity consultant for major sports leagues, commented:
“Athletes need to be held to a standard, especially when they serve as role models. Accountability doesn’t mean career death—it means growth.”
Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Darren Rogers added:
“Let’s not forget this was a 14-year-old. The real test is how she responds now, not what she tweeted then.”
Public & Social Media Reactions
Social media has been ablaze since the tweet went viral. The hashtags #CancelGrant, #RacismInTennis, and #AccountabilityMatters trended for 48 hours straight.
Notable Reactions:
- @NaomiTokyo: “Alicia Grant has always walked a weird line when it comes to race. This tweet didn’t surprise me one bit.”
- @SportsEthicsNow: “Let’s not pretend 14-year-olds don’t know what racism is. They do.”
- @TennisTalkDaily: “She apologized. She was a teen. Let’s not pretend we’ve never made mistakes.”
TikTok creators have posted explainer videos reaching millions of views, especially from accounts focused on racial justice and sports ethics.
Even some of Grant’s fans have voiced disappointment but urged for rehabilitation rather than cancellation.
Fallout & Consequences
The fallout from the Tennis Player Scandal has been swift and significant:
- Brand Damage: Gatorade has officially dropped Alicia Grant. Nike and Rolex have paused promotional content featuring her.
- Tournament Impact: Although still eligible, Grant faces heavy crowd backlash and scrutiny in press conferences.
- Public Image: Once viewed as tennis’s bright, inclusive future, her image is now polarizing. Her follower count has dipped 14% across platforms.
- Peer Isolation: Fellow players have distanced themselves, with few defending her publicly.
- Psychological Toll: Sources close to Grant say she is considering stepping back from media for the rest of the season.
The long-term implications could include diminished sponsorship opportunities, reduced endorsements, and a slower path to becoming a global icon—despite her immense on-court potential.
Our View
From an editorial standpoint, this Tennis Player Scandal underscores the need for accountability but also redemption. Yes, the language used in the tweet is deeply offensive. It deserves criticism. But we also must evaluate it in context: it was posted by a 14-year-old, long before she was a professional athlete.
What matters most now is what Alicia Grant does next. Will she commit to anti-racism education? Will she support causes that elevate voices she once mocked? Words matter, but so do actions—and this could be an opportunity for genuine growth.
Still, let’s be clear: in a sport that already struggles with inclusivity, such incidents hurt more than just reputations—they hurt real people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tennis Player Scandal involving Alicia Grant?
A 2016 racist tweet by Alicia Grant resurfaced in July 2025, leading to widespread backlash and brand losses.
Did Alicia Grant write the tweet?
Yes, the account and tweet were verified by her PR team and digital forensic analysts.
Has Alicia Grant been suspended?
No. As of now, the WTA has not issued any suspensions against her.
What brands dropped her because of the scandal?
Gatorade officially ended its deal. Nike and Rolex are still reviewing their positions.
Has she apologized for the tweet?
Yes, she posted an apology on Instagram stating she was “young, ignorant, and ashamed.”
How is the tennis community reacting?
The community is divided—some demand harsher consequences, while others call for rehabilitation.
Will this end her career?
Unlikely. While her image has taken a major hit, she retains her rankings and can rebuild with genuine effort.
Conclusion
The Tennis Player Scandal involving Alicia Grant’s resurfaced racist tweet is more than just a PR crisis—it’s a litmus test for how the tennis world handles past mistakes, current accountability, and future standards. While the tweet was posted years ago, the emotional wounds it has reopened are fresh and raw. Grant’s path forward is uncertain, but it’s clear that how she responds—on and off the court—will define her legacy more than any match ever could. In an era where athletes are both sports stars and social figures, this scandal reminds us that every word matters, no matter when or where it’s said. And for Alicia Grant, the next chapter begins now.
