Coco Gauff: Tennis Star Voices Concern Over US Political Climate
While receiving treatment and preparing for this week's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Coco Gauff has kept the news playing almost constantly in the background. The world No. 5 tennis professional admits it has been challenging to wake up to reports of harsh immigration enforcement actions and the killings of protestors back in her home country.
'I Don't Think People Should Be Dying in the Streets Just for Existing'
Gauff, who spends nearly eleven months each year traveling internationally far from her Delray Beach, Florida home, maintains she prefers to stay informed about current events. During a Sunday press conference in Dubai, the 21-year-old athlete expressed her distress regarding recent incidents in Minnesota involving federal agents and the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good.
"Everything going on in the US, obviously I'm not really for it. I don't think people should be dying in the streets just for existing. I don't like what's going on," Gauff stated candidly. "I think for me, it is tough to sometimes wake up and see something because I do care a lot about our country. I think people think I don't for some reason, but I do. I'm very proud to be American."
The tennis champion elaborated on her perspective regarding national identity and political representation, emphasizing that citizens should not be expected to endorse all actions of their government's leadership.
"But I think when you're from any country, you don't have to represent the entire values of what's going on in the leadership. I think there's a lot of people around there who believe in the things I believe in, and believe in diversity and equality. So, I'm hoping as the future progresses that we can get back to those values."
Activist Legacy Runs Deep in Gauff's Family History
Political and social engagement forms part of Gauff's family heritage. Her maternal grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, played a crucial role in desegregating public schools in Delray Beach during the 1960s. Odom has shared her experiences and principles with her granddaughter from an early age, instilling a strong sense of social responsibility.
For years, Gauff has deliberately ignored the "shut up and dribble" criticism frequently directed at athletes who express opinions on political matters. At just sixteen years old, she participated in a Black Lives Matter rally in her hometown, delivering an impassioned speech that encouraged civic participation and advocacy for social justice.
"The silence of the good people is worse than the brutality of the bad people," she declared during that event, quoting Martin Luther King Jr. while her grandmother observed proudly.
Consistent Advocacy on Global Issues
Gauff has also addressed international humanitarian concerns, including speaking out against civilian casualties in Gaza during an interview with The National News two years prior. "It's important for us as privileged civilians to do our research and just continuing to demand our leaders to make change and I will never not advocate for that," she emphasized during that conversation.
The two-time Grand Slam champion frequently faces questions about social and political topics during media interactions and maintains she will never avoid providing honest responses.
"I never felt torn when I'm asked a question because it is relevant. If you're asking me, I'll going to tell you how I feel," Gauff explained on Sunday. "I think a lot of people on social media, on the other hand, like to say to stay out of politics, stay out of the things that are going on."
She continued: "You're going to be asked these things in press. People want to hear our opinion on it. Some players choose to say 'no comment', which is also completely in their right. I understand that. Some prefer to state their opinion. I think the biggest thing I hate is when people say, 'stay out of it', when we're being asked it. If you ask me, I'm going to give you my honest answer."
Gauff connects her willingness to address difficult subjects directly to her personal history and family background. "When I'm asked, I have no problems. Because I've lived this. My grandma literally is an activist. This is literally my life. So I'm OK answering tough questions."
The world No. 5 tennis professional begins her Dubai tournament campaign on Tuesday against either Jelena Ostapenko or Anna Kalinskaya, balancing athletic preparation with her ongoing commitment to social awareness and political engagement.
