Coco Gauff has spoken out against the recent wave of violence and political unrest in the United States, saying it has been “tough to wake up” to the news of fatal shootings and widespread protests. The 21-year-old tennis star, currently competing at the Dubai Tennis Championships, addressed the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal agents in Minneapolis, which sparked more than 300 “ICE Out of Everywhere” protests across US cities on 30 January.
“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,” Gauff said at a press conference. “I think for me, it is tough to sometimes wake up and see something because I do care a lot about our country. I’m very proud to be American. 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.”
The world No 4, a two-time grand slam champion, has frequently used her platform to speak on social and political issues. She added that she will never shy away from answering questions on off-court topics. “I never feel torn when I’m asked a question. If you’re asking me, I’m going to tell you how I feel,” she said.
Gauff’s comments come as several Team USA athletes at the Winter Olympics in Italy have also defended their right to speak out. President Donald Trump earlier criticised freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he expressed conflict about representing the country. Two-time Olympic champion Chloe Kim said: “The US has given my family and I so much opportunity. But I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions on what's going on. We need to lead with love and compassion.”
Last year, after winning the French Open singles title, Gauff dedicated her victory to “people that look like me in America” who may feel unsupported. “Just being that reflection of hope and light for those people,” she said at the time.
