‘My Dad Always Told Me…’ – Coco Gauff Details Why She Will Always Remain Vocal About Pressing Social Issues

Roland Garros finalist Coco Gauff is one of the best current generation tennis players. At the young age of 18, she secured a career-high ranking of World No.11 on the WTA ranking list. Apart from showing her skills on the court, the American rising star also takes an interest in pressing social issues that rock her country.

Having gained considerable fame and being a public figure, she uses the platform to raise her voice. She recently opened up about the thought process that goes behind such actions and the inspiring figure who motivated her to speak up.

Gauff is not afraid to speak up

Speaking about her interest in addressing the important social issues, the 18-year-old said that she doesn’t belong to a family which follows a particular political party. Adding to that, she said that the opinion she has is of her own and not influenced by anyone.

“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,” she said.

Further, she added that she is not afraid to speak out and in fact considers it her responsibility to raise her voice against issues concering human rights.

“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,” she added.

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While there’s still a long way to go for Gauff on the WTA tour, she has already shown maturity that belies her age, be it in battling the best players on the tour or standing up against injustice off the court.

Coco Gauff reacts to social media backlash

After having a brilliant outing in Roland Garros 2022, the expectation from fans was high for the American teenager. Playing in the Wimbledon Championships 2022, the 18-year-old continued her good form and made it to the third round. However, she could not go past her compatriot Amanda Anisimova and exited the tournament in the third round.

Incensed by this, a few fans flooded her social media with inappropriate messages and backlashes. A visibly sad Gauff took to her Instagram account and said, “I swear I am trying my best.” 

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Gauff, along with other top players, are preparing for the upcoming hard-court swing. Can Gauff defy the naysayers and reach the latter stages of the US Open? Give us your thoughts in the comments.