By Paul Joseph
American tennis star Coco Gauff says it has been emotionally difficult watching recent events unfold in the United States, stressing that she will continue to speak openly about issues she cares about.
The two-time Grand Slam singles champion made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she is competing this week.
Gauff revealed that she learned about the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti while she was in Australia for the Australian Open earlier this year. The two were killed in Minneapolis during an operation involving officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking protests across the country amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
“I don’t think people should be dying in the streets just for existing,” Gauff said. “It’s tough to wake up and see what’s happening because I care a lot about our country. I’m very proud to be American.”
The 21-year-old, currently ranked world number five, added that representing the United States on the global stage does not mean endorsing every government policy.
“You don’t have to represent the entire values of what’s going on in the leadership,” she said, emphasizing her belief in diversity and equality.
Gauff is among several American athletes who have publicly shared their concerns. Compatriot Madison Keys recently voiced support for immigrant communities, highlighting the diversity they bring to the United States and expressing hope that the country can unite.
Meanwhile, Tom Homan, described as President Trump’s border czar, said earlier this month that “Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota had led to the arrest of more than 4,000 undocumented immigrants, many accused of violent crimes. Despite that, the operation triggered widespread demonstrations after the deaths of Good and Pretti.
Team GB freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy, who was raised in the United States, said he received death threats after posting a message critical of ICE on social media. At the Winter Olympics, American skier Hunter Hess remarked that wearing the national flag does not mean supporting all government actions. President Trump later responded by labelling him a “real loser.”
Snowboarder Chloe Kim, a silver medallist in Milan-Cortina, also backed athletes’ right to speak out. She said sports figures should be “allowed to voice our opinions” and urged people to lead with love and compassion.
Gauff said she feels comfortable addressing political topics in part because of her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, who helped desegregate public schools in the 1960s and became the first Black student to attend a public school in Delray Beach, Florida.
“My grandma is literally an activist,” Gauff said. “This is my life. I’m OK answering tough questions.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the issue, Gauff made it clear she intends to continue speaking honestly when asked about developments in her home country—even while competing far from it.
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