DUBAI – Coco Gauff, the world No. 5, is preparing for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, but her focus extends far beyond the court. The 21-year-old American has spoken candidly about her distress over recent events in the United States, expressing her concern over what she described as harsh immigration crackdowns and the killings of protestors in Minnesota. Gauff’s willingness to address these issues underscores a growing trend of athletes using their platforms to advocate for social and political change.
Despite a demanding travel schedule – Gauff spends nearly 11 months a year on the road – she prioritizes staying informed. “Everything going on in the US, obviously I’m not really for it,” Gauff said on Sunday, referencing the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, who were killed by federal agents. “I don’t think people should be dying in the streets just for existing. I don’t like what’s going on.” This isn’t the first time Gauff has publicly addressed challenging topics, demonstrating a commitment to activism that runs deep within her family.
Gauff’s outspokenness stems from a family history of activism. 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 social justice from a young age. This legacy has shaped Gauff’s perspective and fueled her willingness to speak out against injustice, even when facing criticism.
The two-time Grand Slam champion rejects the notion that athletes should remain silent on social and political matters, dismissing the “shut up and dribble” rhetoric she’s encountered. At 16, she delivered a powerful speech at a Black Lives Matter rally in her hometown, urging action, voter participation and vocal advocacy for social justice, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: “The silence of the good people is worse than the brutality of the bad people.”
Gauff’s advocacy extends beyond domestic issues. She has previously voiced her concerns about the conflict in Gaza, stating in an interview with The National News two years ago, “It’s significant 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.” This demonstrates a consistent pattern of using her platform to raise awareness about global injustices.
She addressed the pressure to avoid controversial topics, stating, “I never felt torn when I’m asked a question because It’s relevant. If you’re asking me, I’ll going to tell you how I perceive.” Gauff acknowledged the criticism she sometimes receives on social media, with some urging her to stay out of politics, but she firmly believes that when asked, she will always provide an honest answer. “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 set to begin her campaign at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday, potentially facing either Jelena Ostapenko or Anna Kalinskaya in the first round. She was recently seen playing golf pong as part of pre-tournament activities.
Despite the weight of these issues, Gauff remains focused on her tennis. She recently advanced to the Dubai Championships semifinals in 2026 with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Maria Sakkari, showcasing the form that has established her as a rising star in the sport. Tournament officials highlighted her aggressive baseline play and tactical maturity during the match.
As Gauff continues to navigate the demands of professional tennis, she remains committed to using her voice to advocate for the causes she believes in. Her willingness to speak out on important social and political issues sets her apart as a role model for athletes and activists alike. The coming days will see if she can translate her off-court convictions into success on the court in Dubai.
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