It could have been your moment all alone. But US tennis player Coco Gauff decided to think of the people who were recently disadvantaged by the American government after winning the title at the French Open. The 21-year-old is proud to represent the people who look like you.
She smiled, put her hand on her heart and repeatedly sang parts of the American anthem. The freshly chosen winner of the French Open was visibly moved and not just because of their second Grand Slam-Title of the young career. The 21-year-old remembered the ceremony on the Philippe-Chatrier-Court To her mother’s words Candi Gauff. The tennis player was looking for their advice at the end of 2024 during the WTA finals in Saudi Arabia.
After the victory of the French Open: Coco Gauff
The reason for this was that the political situation in the United States had added to her in the past few months. Her mother advised her: “Just win the tournament just to give people something you can smile about”said Gauff born in Florida about the conversation. “I also thought of that today when I kept the trophy and heard the American national anthem.”
Gauff has been supporting “Black Lives Matter” movement for years
Gauff comes from a family that has campaigned for equality and other Blacks concerns in the United States for generations. Your grandmother Yvonne Lee Odom Was the first black student in the High school Her hometown in Florida and had to fight for many barriers. Gauff himself sits down for the “Black Lives Matter“-Movement.
After the victory at Roland Garros, Coco Gauff cheers together with Spike Lee
The young woman is involved in a number of athletes who are always publicly speaking out against the new US government. On the day of her triumph in Paris, in addition to some other celebrities, film director Spike Lee was on site. The 68-year-old said in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung in 2020: “Trump leads the country directly to hell.” The American recently renewed his criticism at the film festival in Cannes.
Representation for people “who look like me”
Gauff also does not relieve himself of criticism, although she never explicitly mentioned a name as part of the press conference. “Obviously, a lot is going on in our country. I am sure you know”the 21-year-old said when asked by a reporter, how it would feel and what it would mean to be on the tour as a American. “That is why it means a lot to me that I can represent people in America here who look like me, who may not feel so supported during this time”Gauff continued. These people “A little hope and light“Giving is a good feeling.
Shortly after the last presidential election 2024, number two tweeted in the world: “Allow you to feel how you are in difficult timen feels … especially today. Support you with your worries on God. It is the highest power. Don’t forget that. “ With the first French Open victory of a American since Serena Williams 2015, the young tennis player has contributed to her part of people in her home “A little hope and light” admit.
Flag wearer at the Olympic Games in Paris together with LeBron Lames: Coco Gauff
Despite the criticism, the 21-year-old is important to make it clear that she is proud to be an American. “Some people may be critical, but I am definitely patriotic. I am proud to represent the Americans who look like me and those who support the things that I also support.” Most recently had the US Open-Trichter from 2023 can carry the American flag alongside basketball star LeBron James at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Congratulations from the Obamas – not from Trump
The also politically very active NBA-Profi was just one of many celebrities who congratulated Gauff Online on the title, including the former US President Barack Obama. His wife Michelle tweeted: “Your determination, strength and grace during the French Open have inspired us all – and showed us what is possible. I am proud of you!” It remains to be seen whether the current incumbent is also proud. US President Donald Trump has not yet commented after Gauff’s success.