Following Oppressed Grandma’s Footsteps, Coco Gauff Raises Her Voice for the Future of Florida

Coco Gauff may be just 20 but she is already enjoying some big achievements in life. From winning titles on the court to making grand appearances at public events, the American sensation has done it all. Recently, she did another major thing that defied her age. As the 2024 United States Presidential Election nears, Gauff has serious advice for her fellow country people.

The strength of democracy will be on display as America goes to election later this year. Gauff, who turned 20, will cast her vote for the first time. While Gauff will be at the forefront of fulfilling her duty, she urged fellow Americans to turn out in large numbers during the elections. “We aren’t happy with the current state of our government in Florida,” she said. “…So 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.”

The reigning US Open champion recounted her grandmother’s fight against injustice, “She’s the sole, or one of the main, reasons why I use my platform the way that I do and why I feel so comfortable speaking out. She had to deal with a lot of things, like racial injustice.” Gauff’s grandmother was one of the pioneers of removing racial segregation at schools in Delray Beach and the granddaughter is just as brave.

Further, Coco Gauff went on to add, “For her to go through what she did during that time is something that I think what I do—putting out a tweet or saying a speech—is so easy compared to that.. She always reminds me that I’m a person first instead of an athlete.”

The American tennis sensation has always been vocal about social issues and injustice like her grandmother. Apart from the latter, Gauff’s father’s advice was also one of the reasons why Gauff doesn’t remain silent on problems.

Coco Gauff’s father wants her daughter to ‘make an opinion’

Politics runs deep into Gauff’s family. Having a mixed family of Democrats and Republicans, there are often strong debates in her family on pressing social issues. Additionally, Gauff’s father’s strong words have also stuck with her. Gauff mentioned, “For me, I always talk about issues that I don’t feel are political rights, but are human rights. I have Democrats and Republicans and independents all throughout my family. My dad always told me to make an opinion on my own.”

Revealing her responsibility toward society, she said, “I don’t want to take anything that I have for granted, I want to be known as a tennis player but also as a person who’s not afraid to speak out against inhumane issues. I have a lot to learn but I think I do have a responsibility to speak out.”

It is incredible to see how Gauff is developing not just as a sportswoman but also in her day-to-day personal life. Although she has a long way to go, Gauff is a legend in the making, both on and off the court!