Coco Gauff has candidly discussed how she feels about representing the USA on the global stage following her triumph at the 2025 French Open. The 21-year-old shared how Donald Trump being elected as the US President had brought about a shift in her motivation.
Gauff clinched her second Grand Slam title in impressive fashion, defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in the closely contested final. The magnitude of her achievement wasn’t lost on the American as she broke down in tears while thanking God and crediting her parents for their support in her speech.
In her post-match press conference, Coco Gauff acknowledged the tense political scene in the US and said she felt proud to be a symbol of hope for people who looked like her during these challenging times.
Trending
"Obviously there’s a lot going on in our country right now with things … like, everything, yeah. I’m sure you guys know. But just to be able to be a representation of that and a representation of, I guess, people that look like me in America who maybe don’t feel as supported during this time period … just being that reflection of hope and light for those people," Gauff said.
The 21-year-old also revealed that her mother Candi had encouraged her to win the 2024 WTA Finals so she could lift the spirits of her fellow Americans who were going through a "down period" after Donald Trump won the presidential election. Gauff said she carried the same motivation while competing in the French Open final.
"I remember after the election and everything, it kind of felt like a down period a little bit, and my mom told me during Riyadh: 'Just try to win the tournament just to give something for people to smile for.' So that’s what I was thinking about today when holding that. And then seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot," she added.
Coco Gauff had been a vocal supporter of Kamala Harris during the 2024 US presidential election. She shared an emotional message about turning to God during "tough times" after Donald Trump won the election.
"I'm proud to be American" - Coco Gauff on her 'patriotic' nature after French Open triumph
In the same press conference, Coco Gauff asserted that while some people may not be patriotic, she felt very proud to be American. The World No. 2 also emphasized how delighted she was to represent Black people at the French Open.
"Some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic and things like that, but I’m definitely patriotic and proud to be American, and I’m proud to represent the Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support," Gauff said.
Gauff's efforts did not go unnoticed since former US President Barack Obama congratulated the 21-year-old for making the country proud with her remarkable victory.
Michelle Obama also sent a touching message to Coco Gauff, hailing the American for inspiring everyone with her "determination, strength and grace" under pressure.
