Tennis Star Coco Gauff Speaks Out on U.S. Politics

Gauff criticizes current administration, says "people shouldn't be dying in the streets just for existing"

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Tennis pro Coco Gauff, 21, spoke out about the current political climate in the U.S. during a press conference at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Gauff expressed disapproval of the administration's handling of recent events, alluding to the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good. She stated, "I don't think people should be dying in the streets just for existing" and said she is "very proud to be American" but does not have to represent the entire values of the country's leadership.

Why it matters

Gauff's comments reflect growing concerns among high-profile athletes about social and political issues in the U.S. Her willingness to speak out, despite potential backlash, highlights the increasing role of sports figures in addressing complex national debates.

The details

During the press conference, Gauff said she tries to "stay informed" on current events and will not hesitate to share her honest opinions when asked, even if it means addressing "complex political topics." She added that she believes there are many people in the U.S. who share her values of "diversity and equality." Gauff's remarks come after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, and Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, by federal agents in Minneapolis in January.

  • Gauff made the remarks during a press conference on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, amid the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
  • Pretti was shot by a Department of Homeland Security agent on Jan. 24, 2026.
  • Good was shot by an ICE agent on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis.

The players

Coco Gauff

A 21-year-old American professional tennis player who has spoken out about political issues in the U.S.

Alex Pretti

An ICU nurse who was shot and killed by a Department of Homeland Security agent in January 2026.

Renee Nicole Good

A mother of three who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis in January 2026.

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What they’re saying

“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 Pro (The Guardian)

“I think for me, it is tough to sometimes 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 Pro (The Guardian)

“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 there who believe in the things I believe in, and believe in diversity and equality”

— Coco Gauff, Tennis Pro (The Guardian)

What’s next

Gauff's comments have sparked further discussion about the role of athletes in addressing political issues. It remains to be seen if she will continue to speak out on these matters as her tennis career progresses.

The takeaway

Coco Gauff's willingness to openly criticize the current U.S. administration and speak up about social injustice reflects a growing trend of high-profile athletes using their platforms to address complex political and societal issues, despite potential backlash.