Coco Gauff says it’s “hard to wake up” and see what’s happening at home in the United States, and that she will continue to speak out on issues that matter to her.
The two-time Grand Slam singles champion is among a large number of American athletes who have expressed their dissatisfaction with US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Protests have taken place across the United States since Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last month.
Gauff, 21, spends most of the year competing abroad and the world number five learned of their deaths while in Australia for the first Grand Slam of the year.
“I don’t think people should die on the streets just because they exist,” Gauff told reporters in Dubai, where she will compete this week.
“It’s hard to wake up and see anything because I care a lot about our country. I think for some reason people think I don’t, but I do. I’m very proud to be an American.
“You don’t have to represent the whole values of what’s happening in leadership. I think there are a lot of people who believe in the things I believe in, believe in diversity and equality.”
When asked about problems in the US during the Australian Open, Gauff called for “more peace and kindness” in America.
Compatriot Madison Keys defended immigrants and the diversity they have brought to the US, saying she hopes the country can “come together.”
Team GB skier Gus Kenworthy, who grew up in America, said he has received death threats after posting an anti-ICE message on social media.
During his speech at the Winter Olympics, freestyle skier Hunter Hess added that “just because I carry the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s happening in the US”, and President Trump responded by calling him a “real loser”.
Bea Kim said the US is “very divided” but “diversity is what makes us a very strong country,” while fellow snowboarder Maddie Mastro said she is “saddened about what’s happening at home. I feel like we can’t turn a blind eye to that.”
Chloe Kim, a silver medalist at Milan-Cortina, believes athletes “should be able to express our opinions about what’s going on. And I think we should lead with love and compassion.”
Gauff says she feels confident in giving honest answers when asked about politics, partly because of her maternal grandmother.
Yvonne Lee Odom helped desegregate public schools in the 1960s and became the first black student to attend public school in Delray Beach, Florida.
“My grandmother is literally an activist,” Gauff added. “This is literally my life. I can answer difficult questions very well.”
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