Coco Gauff, the American tennis star who won the 2025 French Open, reflected on the political climate in the U.S. following Donald Trump’s election, calling it a ‘down period.’ Despite the challenging times, Gauff expressed her patriotism and commitment to representing American athletes, particularly those who may feel underserved. Her victory comes after a hard-fought match against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, marking her second Grand Slam title since 2021.
In a recent interview following her historic victory at the 2025 French Open, tennis star Coco Gauff offered reflection on the state of American politics post-Donald Trump’s election. Gauff, who became the first American to win the title in a decade, described the political climate as a ‘down period’ for the nation. Despite these challenges, she reaffirmed her pride in being an American and her commitment to represent the diverse group of athletes who may not feel adequately supported. Gauff’s comments come after defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set match, a victory that marked her second Grand Slam title since 2021. She credited the crowd’s immense support during the match, which included notable cheers from French spectators and American celebrities. The match saw Gauff overcome an early set loss, ultimately securing her place in tennis history.
Gauff’s emotional win was not lost on the public, with American celebrities like Barack and Michelle Obama, Matthew McConaughey, and others expressing their admiration. Her words resonated with many, particularly during a time of polarization in the country. Despite the ‘down period’ comment, Gauff made it clear that her patriotism remains strong. She stated, ‘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.’ Her comments highlight a broader conversation about identity, representation, and the role of athletes in public discourse.