I'm proud to represent the Americans that look like me
Coco Gauff wants her French Open victory to give hope to 'Americans that look like me'.
Gauff beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final to secure her maiden Roland Garros title.
Advertisement
The 21-year-old, now a two-time grand slam champion, says she wants to bring 'hope and light' to black Americans who feel under-represented.
'It means a lot and obviously there's a lot going on in our country right now,' she said.
'But just to be able to be a representation of that and a representation of, I guess, people that look like me in America who maybe don't feel as supported during this time period, and so just being that reflection of hope and light for those people.'
Gauff won the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November, days after the re-election of US President Donald Trump.
Advertisement
'I remember after the election and everything, it kind of felt (a) down period a little bit,' she added. 'My mum told me during Riyadh, 'Just try to win the tournament just to give something for people to smile for'.
'So that's what I was thinking about today when holding that (trophy).
'And then seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot. You know, some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic and things like that.
'But I'm definitely patriotic and proud to be American and I'm proud to represent the Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support.'
Advertisement
Gauff is scheduled to play at the Berlin Open, beginning a week on Monday, to kick off her preparations for Wimbledon.
But she said: 'I haven't thought that far ahead. Obviously I'm going to take some days off, for sure.
'I'm signed up for Berlin right now. We'll see if I play or not. This part of the season is new just because of the fact that it's so short and I don't know what I'm going to do yet, but I'll have that conversation with my team and take their opinions and see what they think is best.
'For sure I'm going to rest and enjoy it and not go into training too quickly just because I feel like this stuff doesn't happen too often, so you've just got to enjoy it.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
41 minutes ago
- Fox News
Coco Gauff says Trump's election led to 'down period' in US following French Open victory
Coco Gauff became the first American in a decade to lift the trophy after the women's singles final at Roland-Garros and she was asked what it means to represent the United States. After defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to win the French Open, Gauff was asked what it's like traveling the world as an American. "It's means a lot. Obviously there's a lot going on in our country right now," Gauff responded, via The Tennis Letter. "Just to be a representation of that and a representation of people that look like me in America, who maybe don't feel as supported during this time period. Being that reflection of hope and light for those people." Gauff continued by bringing up this past year's presidential election, and the response by the country after President Donald Trump was elected for his second term. She referred to it as a "down period" in the States. "I remember after the election and everything, it felt like a down period a little bit. My mom told me during Riyadh, try to win the tournament just to give people something to smile for. That's what I was thinking about today," Gauff said. Despite the "down period" comment, Gauff said she is "definitely patriotic." "Some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic and things like that, but I'm definitely patriotic. I'm proud to be American. I'm proud to represent Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support," Gauff added. The 21-year-old dropped to the clay and covered her face at Roland-Garros following a thrilling match against Sabalenka. Gauff lost the first set in a tiebreak, but fought back to win the second set, 6-2, and came away with her second Grand Slam after a third-set 6-4 finish. The last American to win the French Open? Serena Williams lifted the trophy in 2015. "The crowd really helped me today," Gauff said after the match, as celebrities like Spike Lee, Dustin Hoffman and many more were noticeably cheering her on throughout the match. "You guys were cheering for me so hard, and I don't know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd. But I appreciate you guys." Gauff was also showered with praise by American celebrities, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Matthew McConaughey and more. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Donald Trump to meet with key college sports decision-makers in golf outing where they'll discuss industry's future
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to host two of college sports' most influential leaders Sunday at his golf course in New Jersey. Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey are planning to golf with the president at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster in an invitation extended to them by the White House. The three men are expected to discuss the future of college athletics as Trump explores his involvement in the rapidly changing industry. Advertisement Multiple sources spoke to Yahoo Sports about the planned event on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak on the matter. The significance of the meeting cannot be overstated. It comes two days after a California judge granted approval of a landmark legal settlement (House) that further evolves major college athletics into a more professionalized entity where schools will directly compensate athletes. The two men attending the Trump meeting hold significant decision-making power. Bevacqua presides over one of the country's most influential and valuable athletic departments — a school that's become a national leader during college sports' evolution. Trump holds a longtime relationship with Bevacqua, dating back to his days working as an executive at PGA of America. Sankey is described by many to be the most influential leader in the industry as he manages a conference that, with the Big Ten, is the most valuable and successful in the country. Donald Trump has some history with Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, left, who is seen here in 2015, when Bevacqua was the CEO of PGA of America. (Jeffrey MacMillan for The Washington Post via Getty Images) (The Washington Post via Getty Images) The three men are expected to spend extended time together beyond their round of golf as NCAA leaders seek Congressional and White House assistance for a federal standard to stabilize and regulate what's become an unruly structure. Trump has grown interested in the issues, even deeply exploring the possibility of issuing an executive order and creating a commission to study the many developments — such as player movement in the transfer portal, booster-backed compensation to athletes, and the impact on women and Olympic sports. Advertisement Such a meeting Sunday could trigger action from the White House, or possibly expedite Congressional negotiations over college sports legislation. Five U.S. senators — three Democrats and two Republicans — have held regular meetings over a federal college sports bill for the last several months. However, those discussions have been slowed recently by arising hurdles with bill concepts as well as global and domestic issues unrelated to college athletics. Trump's involvement in college sports is serious enough that he began the creation of a presidential commission and even selected a chair of the group, Texas businessman Cody Campbell. However, partially in an effort to not impact Senate negotiations, the commission work was paused two weeks ago. Advertisement For more than five years now, college leaders have spent millions of dollars in a lobbying effort on Capitol Hill as they seek legislation that deems athletes students, not employees; preempts state NIL laws; and provides protection for the NCAA and power leagues to enforce rules without legal challenges. Next week, the 13th Congressional hearing related to college sports will unfold — this one from members of a subgroup of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. A new House bill is expected to be introduced next week as well. The Trump golf outing Sunday comes at a divided time, not just within Congress but in college athletics. Disagreements linger between power conference administrators over an assortment of issues — the transfer portal, the College Football Playoff and even the concept of collective bargaining with athletes. Many athlete advocacy groups, college sports attorneys and those within the sport itself believe that the House settlement will leave many unresolved issues, will elicit dozens of legal challenges on its own and needs to cede to bargaining with athletes, much like pro sports.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Coco Gauff's Behavior After Winning French Open Final is Turning Heads
Coco Gauff's Behavior After Winning French Open Final is Turning Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After beating Aryna Sabalenka for the women's singles French Open title on Saturday, Coco Gauff was naturally in a celebratory mood. And she made sure to spend it with the most important people in her life. Advertisement Gauff needed all three sets to defeat Sabalenka, who reigned supreme over her the last time they met on a clay court — during the Madrid Open final earlier in May. At the French Open final, however, the American star didn't let her Belarusian rival get her way. While Sabalenka won the first set, Gauff quickly recovered and made life hard for her opponent in the next two sets to win 6(5)-7, 6-2, 6-4. Sabalenka finished with 70 unforced errors, struggling to break through Gauff's defense and counter her lob shots. Following the match, Gauff was seen going to her parents, Candi and Corey, who were seated on the bleachers at Court Philippe Chatrier. The 21-year-old hugged her parents, with her dad seen jumping in joy. Advertisement Gauff proceeded to meet her team and hug them as well to express her appreciation. Fans absolutely loved the moment and shared their reactions in the comments section of Roland-Garros' video of the celebration on Instagram. "Teamwork makes the dream work — huge shoutout to the whole crew!" a commenter wrote. Another one said, "As they should, Congratulations to Coco Gauff, her team and family." "I love Coco's family," a fan added. "So polite and humble," a supporter remarked. A fifth follower shared, "Give coco her flowers!! So kind, humble, respectful and just hard working girl well raised and pure class!!! Won't be surprised if you win it again and again 2026 onwards." Advertisement "COCOOOOOOOOO DO YOUR THANG MAMAS!! CONGRATS FAMILY," a hyped social media user added. Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women's French Open.© Susan Mullane-Imagn Images Gauff and her family certainly have every reason to be happy. It is now the World No. 2's second Grand Slam title after winning the US Open in 2023. It was also some sort of redemption for Gauff, who lost in the French Open final in 2022. Related: Coco Gauff Makes History Amid French Open This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
