American tennis star Coco Gauff has publicly addressed what she described as her discomfort with the political and social environment in the United States, saying she “doesn’t like what’s going on” while also affirming her pride in her country. The remarks came during a press conference ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where she was asked about ongoing events in her home nation.
Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion and one of the leading figures in women’s tennis, made clear that her comments were not an indictment of the American people but rather concerns about recent events and broader leadership issues. She specifically referenced the deaths of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they were killed by federal agents an incident that sparked widespread national debate and protests tied to immigration enforcement operations. Gauff said, “Everything going on in the U.S., 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.”
Despite her critique, Gauff emphasised her deep attachment to America and her belief in the country’s fundamental ideals. She said it can be difficult to wake up to troubling news each day, particularly because she cares deeply about her nation’s future. She added that pride in being American does not require unconditional support of every government decision or policy, particularly when those decisions do not align with values like diversity and equality.
Background and Context
Gauff’s willingness to speak on political and social issues reflects a long-standing tradition of athlete activism something she attributes to her family’s history. Her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, was a civil rights activist who helped desegregate schools in Delray Beach, Florida, in the 1960s. Gauff has said that activism has been part of her life from an early age, and she has chosen to answer honestly when journalists ask her opinion on issues she believes matter.
The tennis star’s remarks align with a broader trend of American athletes becoming more vocal about social and political issues. For example, some athletes who competed at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics similarly expressed discomfort with representing the United States while disagreeing with aspects of U.S. policy and leadership reactions that have attracted both support and criticism at home.
Gauff has been outspoken on social matters before. At age 16, she delivered a speech at a Black Lives Matter rally and has not shied away from addressing other global issues, such as conflict in Gaza, when asked. She rejects the notion that athletes should “stay out of politics,” saying that when relevant questions are posed to her, she will answer sincerely based on her lived experiences and values.
Reactions and Public Discourse
The reactions to Gauff’s comments have been mixed. Supporters praise her courage to speak candidly about issues that matter to her, arguing that athletes especially public figures with large platforms — have a right to engage in civic discourse. Critics, however, contend that sports events are not the ideal forum for political debate, and some have urged athletes to focus more on their professional roles.
Gauff’s statement comes at a moment when several major social issues are gripping the United States, including debates over immigration enforcement, law enforcement accountability, and national leadership. Her remarks drew attention not only because of her status as a leading athlete but also because they reflect how deeply political currents in the U.S. can influence and intersect with global sports.
What Gauff Said About Speaking Out
In explaining her approach, Gauff highlighted that athletes have differing views on whether to speak on political topics, but she believes there is a place for honest discussion when it is relevant to the questions asked:
- She said she does not fear speaking candidly about important issues because she has lived with these conversations throughout her life.
- Gauff emphasised that her experience, background, and personal values inform her willingness to talk about topics beyond tennis.
- She also noted frustration with social media narratives urging athletes to avoid political discussion, insisting that when journalists ask questions related to social and political matters, she will respond thoughtfully and sincerely.
What’s Next
Gauff is expected to compete in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and continue her 2026 season following the controversy. While her comments have sparked discussion, she has been clear that her motivation is rooted in her desire to see the United States return to core values she believes in including respect for human life, equality and inclusion.
Her stance underscores a growing role for athletes as voices of social conscience in international media, especially as global audiences increasingly look to sports figures for leadership beyond the court. Whether her remarks will influence wider discourse or inspire similar comments from peers remains a point of ongoing public interest.
