Coco Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion, is urging young people and her peers to vote in response to her dissatisfaction with the current state of the government in Florida. Gauff has taken issue with Governor Ron DeSantis over book bans and the way the state government operates. She emphasized the importance of youth and the community being outspoken and encouraged everyone to vote, regardless of their political affiliation. Gauff believes that it is crucial for people to exercise their right to vote and use their voices to enact change.
Gauff expressed her frustration with the political climate in Florida, particularly as a Black Floridian. DeSantis’ camp responded by praising the state’s economy, education system, tourism, and leadership under the governor. Gauff clarified that she is not publicly endorsing any specific candidate and is keeping her vote private. Despite not aligning herself publicly with a candidate, Gauff has been vocal about issues of racial injustice and police brutality, dating back to a speech she made in 2020 in front of City Hall in Delray Beach.
Despite her activism, Gauff remains a beloved figure in the Delray Beach community. In March, she unveiled refurbished tennis courts at a public park where she used to play as a child. To commemorate the occasion, she had the coordinates of those courts inscribed on the toe of her left tennis sneaker. Gauff made history by winning her first grand slam title at the U.S. Open in Queens last year, becoming the youngest American, male or female, to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 2001. She joins Williams and Tracy Austin as the only American teenagers to win the prestigious tournament.
Gauff’s success on the tennis court has not deterred her from using her platform to advocate for important social issues. She continues to speak out against racial injustice and police brutality while also encouraging voter participation and civic engagement. As a prominent athlete, Gauff understands the importance of using her voice and influence to effect positive change in her community and beyond. By leveraging her platform to raise awareness and promote social justice, Gauff is setting an example for her peers and inspiring young people to use their voices and vote to make a difference in their communities.
