Tennis champion Coco Gauff has expressed profound distress over recent events in the United States, declaring it "tough to wake up" and confront news of fatal shootings that have ignited widespread demonstrations. The world number four and two-time grand slam winner made her comments during a press conference ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships, directly addressing the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
Gauff's Emotional Response to US Unrest
"Everything going on in the US, obviously I'm not really for it," stated the 21-year-old athlete. "I don't think people should be dying in the streets just for existing. I don't like what's going on." Gauff emphasised her deep care for her country despite her criticisms, asserting her pride in being American while distinguishing between national identity and political leadership.
"When you're from any country, you don't have to represent the entire values of what's going on in the leadership," she explained. "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."
Athlete Activism and Platform Responsibility
Gauff has consistently used her prominent position in tennis to address social and political matters, and she reaffirmed her commitment to this approach. "I never feel torn when I'm asked a question," she declared. "Obviously when you're in a tournament, you may not, like, come out and do a statement or things like that. But I never felt torn when I'm asked a question because it is relevant. If you're asking me, I'm going to tell you how I feel."
This stance follows her dedication of last year's French Open victory to "people that look like me in America," highlighting her role as "a representation of people that look like me in America who maybe don't feel as supported during this time period."
Winter Olympics Athletes Defend Political Expression
Meanwhile, several Team USA competitors at the Winter Olympics in Italy have vigorously defended their right to comment on political developments back home. This comes after former President Donald Trump labelled freestyle skier Hunter Hess a "real loser" for expressing conflicted feelings about representing the nation during current tensions.
Chloe Kim, the two-time Olympic halfpipe champion, articulated a balanced perspective: "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. And I think we need to lead with love and compassion and I would like to see some more of that."
Context of Nationwide Protests
The athletes' comments coincide with substantial civil unrest across American cities. More than 300 "ICE Out of Everywhere" demonstrations occurred nationwide on 30 January, responding to the fatal shootings of Pretti and Good by federal agents in Minneapolis. These incidents have sparked intense debate about law enforcement practices and social justice.
Gauff's reflection on the Obamas surprising her after her US Open win underscores the complex relationship between celebrity, sport, and political engagement in contemporary America. As prominent figures increasingly navigate these intersections, their willingness to speak out continues to shape public discourse both domestically and internationally.
