Coco Gauff: 'It’s tough to wake up' to US violence as she speaks out in Dubai
At the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday, February 16, 2026 (ET), Coco Gauff used a pre-tournament news conference to reflect on recent violent incidents in the United States and to explain why she feels compelled to speak when asked about social and political issues. The 21-year-old, a two-time Grand Slam champion and a top-five player, said the news from home is painful and that she will continue to give honest answers when pressed by the media.
Gauff pushes back on the idea athletes should 'stay out' of politics
Gauff told reporters that she follows events back home even while traveling the globe for tournaments, and that waking up to troubling headlines is difficult. "I don't think people should be dying in the streets just for existing, " she said, reflecting on recent fatal encounters involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. She added that her care for the country and pride in being American do not conflict with her willingness to critique actions she finds unjust.
She pushed back against the common admonition that athletes should avoid politics, saying that when journalists ask questions that are relevant, she will answer honestly rather than offering silence. "I never feel torn when I'm asked a question, " Gauff said, noting that while some athletes choose to decline commentary, she believes the option to respond is important. Her stance is shaped in part by family history: Gauff's maternal grandmother helped desegregate a public school in the 1960s and instilled a sense of activism that the player cites as central to her outlook.
From the court to the conversation: athletes weigh in
Gauff's comments come amid a wider wave of athletes speaking publicly about the political and social landscape in the United States. Competitors across sports have voiced concerns about immigration enforcement and other policies, and some have faced sharp backlash for doing so. Gauff acknowledged both the risks and responsibilities that come with a public platform, stressing that representing a country as an athlete does not require endorsing every decision made by its leaders.
At the same time, she emphasized solidarity with fellow athletes who have raised their voices in recent weeks. Several high-profile competitors have called attention to diversity and the contributions immigrants have made to the country, while others have described the emotional complexity of representing a nation they love but sometimes disagree with politically. Gauff said she believes many Americans share her values of equality and inclusion, even if leadership does not always reflect those principles.
Looking ahead: balancing competition and conscience
Gauff is set to begin play in Dubai this week, and she acknowledged the practical realities of balancing elite competition with attention to international events. She said she tends to get much of her news from social media while on tour and that being informed helps her respond thoughtfully when asked about current events. Still, she noted that intense coverage and shocking headlines can be emotionally draining when they reach her in the middle of a season.
Despite the pressures of the tour and the potential for controversy, Gauff said she is comfortable answering tough questions and does not intend to retreat from public discourse. "I'm okay answering tough questions, " she said, invoking the influence of her grandmother and her own upbringing. As she prepares for matches in Dubai, Gauff appears determined to keep competing at the highest level while using interviews as a space to voice the values she believes in.
