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Coco Gauff Speaks Out Against Killings in U.S.
Tennis star denounces recent deaths, says she's 'not really for' what's happening in the country.
Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:47pm
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Coco Gauff, a 21-year-old two-time Grand Slam champion, spoke out against the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, saying she is 'not really for' what is happening in the United States. Gauff, whose grandmother was the first Black student to attend public school in Delray Beach, Florida in 1961, said she will continue to answer questions on political issues, even though some believe athletes should 'stay out of it'.
Why it matters
Gauff's comments add to a growing list of American athletes who have voiced their displeasure with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other issues in the country. Her willingness to speak out on political matters, despite some calls for athletes to remain apolitical, reflects a broader trend of sports figures using their platforms to address social and racial justice concerns.
The details
In a press conference at the Dubai Tennis Championships, 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.' She said she is 'proud to be an American' but denounced the killings of Good and Pretti. Other American athletes like Winter Olympian Hunter Hess and tennis player Madison Keys have also recently spoken out about issues in the U.S.
- Gauff made the comments on February 17, 2026 at a press conference in Dubai.
- The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti occurred in Minneapolis last month.
The players
Coco Gauff
A 21-year-old American tennis player who is a two-time Grand Slam champion.
Renee Good
A person killed in Minneapolis last month.
Alex Pretti
A person killed in Minneapolis last month.
Hunter Hess
An American Winter Olympian who has also spoken out about issues in the U.S.
Madison Keys
An American tennis player ranked No. 17 on the WTA circuit who has commented on the state of the country.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Coco Gauff
“Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S.”
— Hunter Hess, Winter Olympian
“I am hopeful that we as a country can come together and get back to the values that I think make our country great. We are very diverse. We are a home of immigrants. and I hope that we can get back to those values.”
— Madison Keys, Tennis Player
What’s next
The comments from Gauff and other athletes continue to spark debate about the role of sports figures in addressing political and social issues in the United States.
The takeaway
Gauff's willingness to speak out on issues like police violence and racial injustice, despite some calls for athletes to remain apolitical, reflects a broader trend of sports figures using their platforms to address important social and political matters affecting the country.
