Coco Gauff Speaks Out on US Political Climate

Tennis star addresses recent protests and violence during Dubai press conference

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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American tennis player Coco Gauff spoke candidly about the current political climate in the United States during a press conference ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Gauff, whose grandmother was a civil rights activist, expressed her disapproval of recent events, including the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti during protests in Minneapolis. The 22-year-old said she cares deeply about her country but doesn't have to represent the values of its leadership, and emphasized her belief in diversity and equality.

Why it matters

Gauff's comments reflect a growing trend of athletes, especially young Black athletes, using their platforms to speak out on social and political issues in the US. Her family's history of activism also provides important context around her perspective on the current state of the country.

The details

During the press conference, 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 was referencing the killings of Good and Pretti by federal agents during protests against Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. Gauff said she heard about the incidents days later while abroad for the Australian tennis schedule, and that the situation has been tough for her as someone who cares deeply about the US.

  • Gauff made the comments on Sunday, February 16, 2026, ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
  • The killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti occurred in January 2026 during protests against Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.

The players

Coco Gauff

A 22-year-old American tennis player known for her activism and outspoken views on social and political issues.

Yvonne Lee Odom

Gauff's grandmother, who integrated her Florida high school before a long teaching career as an activist.

Renée Good

One of two individuals killed by federal agents during protests against Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis in January 2026.

Alex Pretti

One of two individuals killed by federal agents during protests against Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis in January 2026.

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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, Tennis Player (wtaj.com)

“It is tough to wake up and see something because I do care a lot about our country. I think people think I don't for some reason, but I do. I'm very proud to be American.”

— Coco Gauff, Tennis Player (wtaj.com)

“But I think when you're from any country, you don't have to represent the entire values of what's going on in the leadership. I think there's a lot of people around that believe in the things I believe in—believe in diversity and equality.”

— Coco Gauff, Tennis Player (wtaj.com)

What’s next

Gauff's comments are likely to draw further attention to the ongoing social and political tensions in the US, and may inspire other athletes to speak out on these issues as well.

The takeaway

Coco Gauff's willingness to candidly address the political climate in the US, despite her fame and success as a tennis player, underscores the growing role of young athletes as vocal advocates for social justice and change.