Coco Gauff Speaks Out on Social Issues in the U.S.

Tennis star says she won't stay silent on political and social matters when asked

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a press conference at the Dubai Tennis Championships, 21-year-old American tennis player Coco Gauff expressed her concerns about recent events in the U.S., stating that she does not think "people should be dying in the streets just for existing." Gauff said she tries to stay informed on current affairs and is proud to be American, but believes people don't have to represent the entire values of their country's leadership. She also pushed back against the notion that athletes should stay out of politics, saying she will always give her honest opinion when asked.

Why it matters

Gauff's comments reflect a growing trend of high-profile athletes, especially younger ones, speaking out on social and political issues in the U.S. This comes amid ongoing debates about the role of sports and athletes in addressing societal problems. Gauff's perspective, as a young Black woman, also provides an important voice on issues of racial injustice and police violence.

The details

During the press conference, Gauff was asked about her experience as a traveling athlete and waking up to news from her home country. She expressed her disapproval of recent events, referencing the police shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis. Gauff said she cares deeply about the U.S. and is proud to be American, but believes people don't have to represent the entire values of their country's leadership. She also pushed back against the notion that athletes should stay out of politics, saying she will always give her honest opinion when asked.

  • Gauff made these comments on February 16, 2026 at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The players

Coco Gauff

A 21-year-old American tennis player who is a two-time Grand Slam champion.

Alex Pretti

A resident of Minneapolis who was fatally shot by federal agents in January 2026.

Renee Good

A resident of Minneapolis who was also fatally shot by federal agents in another section of the city less than a month after Pretti's death.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think people should be dying in the streets just for existing.”

— Coco Gauff (The Athletic)

“I think a lot of people on social media, on the other hand, like to say to stay out of politics, stay out of the things that are going on. You're going to be asked these things in press. People want to hear our opinion on it.”

— Coco Gauff (The Athletic)

The takeaway

Gauff's willingness to speak out on social and political issues, even as a high-profile athlete, reflects a broader trend of younger sports stars using their platforms to address matters of racial justice, police violence, and other societal problems in the U.S. Her perspective provides an important voice on these critical issues.