“You can change the world with your racket.” These are words that Coco Gauff lives by, words from her father that feature on her tennis shoes. As the 20-year-old continues to script history with every milestone she reaches, Gauff truly is changing the world with her racket. But she’s also doing her bit and using her voice to empower others in her generation to use theirs, too. While they may believe “their vote doesn’t count,” the youth icon begs to differ.

“We should just all just use our voices and use the power that we have,” Coco Gauff told the Associated Press in May this year. Now, as she gears up for not just the last Grand Slam of the season but also the last leg of 2024, the American reasserted this sentiment, leaving a special request for her fans: to vote responsibly.

The 2023 US Open champion shared a selfie on her Instagram story, writing, “Hey Florida! don’t forget to vote Aug 2oth (I did early voting as I will be out of town). If I can make it happen with a busy tennis schedule, so can you :)” Now, if you’ve been following Coco Gauff, then you must know that she has been an influential voice from Florida, something she showcased while participating in the Black Lives Matter rally at just 16 years of age.

Standing in front of her hometown Delray Beach’s City Hall shortly after the tragic death of George Floyd, Coco Gauff delivered a powerful speech. “I think it’s sad that I’m here protesting the same thing [my grandmother] did 50-plus years ago,” the then-16-year-old said. “I’ve been spending all week having tough conversations, trying to educate my non-Black friends on how they can help the movement.” Even back then, she pressed the importance of voting and using your voice.

“Yes, we’re all out here protesting, and I’m not of age to vote, and it’s in your hands to vote for my future, my brother’s future, and for your future.” Having always taken a stand against racial injustice, now that Gauff is of age to vote, she’s taken the first opportunity to ensure her future is in her own hands – voting for the first time in this US Presidential election. Three months ago, in the same interview with the Associated Press, the 20-year-old even addressed her home state’s current political conditions.

“A crazy time to be a Floridian, especially a Black one at that,” said the 2023 US Open champion, adding, “We aren’t happy with the current state of our government in Florida, especially everything with the books and just the way our office operates.” Gauff’s statement referred to the bill signed by Ron DeSantis, a Republican government representative who controversially banned LGBTQ+ and race-related books from state schools.

During the 2024 Italian Open, Gauff made a request similar to the one on her Instagram story. She explained how responsibility comes down to youth and the community and that they need to be outspoken. “I encourage everyone to vote and use your voice regardless of who you vote for. There’s no point in complaining [about] the political climate of the world if you don’t exercise your right to vote,” she said. But why is it so important for the younger generation to vote?

Considering they’re leaders in the making, their diversity and fresh perspectives directly contribute to shaping the country’s future. And while it may not seem like one vote can make a difference, it actually can – maybe not to directly elect the president, but definitely when it comes to electoral results. That said, as Coco Gauff is exercising her rights as an American citizen (as well as urging others to do the same), she hasn’t shifted her focus from the US Open. After suffering a setback in Cincinnati, she’s trying to reset and prepare for her return to Flushing Meadows in full swing.

Coco Gauff is “just trying to reset and be ready” for the 2024 US Open

As the defending champion of the US Open, Gauff has all eyes set on winning the Daphne Akhurst Trophy yet again. But the path to victory won’t be easy, especially considering her direct rivals’ forms and the fact that the past couple of tournaments haven’t been the best for her. Following her third-round exit at the Olympics, Coco Gauff headed back to the US for the Cincinnati Masters.

Hoping to turn a corner and regain her lost form, things didn’t go as planned as she lost to Yulia Putintseva in the Round of 32. After exiting the WTA 1000, Gauff said, “I’ll probably go home and try to reset.” In her match against Putintseva, Gauff made 50 unforced errors, including 9 double faults. Disappointed but looking forward to the final Grand Slam, she added, “Obviously, I have a lot coming up soon with the US Open, so I think just trying to reset and be ready for that. I made a lot of errors, especially when I was up 4-2 [in the third set]. I think most of the points she won were off my errors.”

Coco Gauff has had many ups and downs this season. She hasn’t made it to any Grand Slam singles finals, but Gauff has had her time in the spotlight in doubles, winning her maiden major at the French Open. While her Cincinnati run may be a cause for concern, Gauff is determined to return to the US Open and defend her title. Do you think she can make it this time, too?