Dubai, United Arab Emirates – As she prepares for her opening match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, American tennis star Coco Gauff has spoken out about her concern over unfolding events in the United States, expressing dismay at recent instances of violence and a growing sense of unease regarding the direction of her country.
Gauff, currently ranked No. 5 in the world, addressed reporters in Dubai on Sunday, stating plainly, “I don’t think people should be dying in the streets just for existing. I don’t like what’s going on.” Her comments followed news reports concerning the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, killed by federal agents in Minnesota, incidents that have fueled protests and sparked renewed debate about law enforcement tactics and accountability.
The 21-year-old acknowledged the challenges of staying fully informed while maintaining a demanding international travel schedule, spending approximately eleven months of the year on the road. However, she emphasized her commitment to remaining engaged with current affairs, describing it as “tough” to wake up to disturbing news from home.
Gauff’s willingness to address politically charged issues is not new. She has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice, a trait deeply rooted in her family history. Her maternal grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, played a pivotal role in desegregating public schools in Delray Beach, Florida, during the 1960s, instilling in Gauff a strong sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to equality.
“I think for me, It’s tough to sometimes wake up and see something because I do care a lot about our country,” Gauff said. “I think people think I don’t for some reason, but I do. I’m very proud to be American.”
However, Gauff was careful to articulate a nuanced perspective, emphasizing that national identity does not necessitate endorsement of all government policies or actions. “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,” she stated. “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.”
Gauff’s stance directly challenges the notion that athletes should remain silent on social and political matters – a sentiment often encapsulated in the phrase “stick to sports.” She referenced a stirring speech she delivered at a Black Lives Matter rally in her hometown at the age of 16, where she urged action, voter participation, and advocacy for social justice, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.’s assertion that “the silence of the good people is worse than the brutality of the bad people.”
Her activism extends beyond domestic issues. Gauff has also publicly expressed concern over the conflict in Gaza, calling for leaders to pursue change and advocating for research and informed understanding of the situation. She stated in a previous interview, “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.”
Gauff anticipates continued scrutiny and questions regarding her views, and she appears resolute in her commitment to responding honestly. “I never felt torn when I’m asked a question because it is relevant,” she explained. “If you’re asking me, I’ll going to tell you how I feel.”
She acknowledged the differing approaches among athletes, noting that some prefer to decline comment, a choice she respects. However, Gauff firmly believes that when directly asked, providing an honest answer is paramount. “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,” she said.
“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.”
Gauff is scheduled to begin her Dubai campaign on Tuesday with a second-round match against Anna Kalinskaya. While focused on the tournament, her recent comments underscore her determination to remain an engaged and outspoken voice on issues that extend far beyond the tennis court.
