Tennis star Coco Gauff is proud to be an American. The two-time major champion proclaimed her patriotism on Saturday while celebrating her French Open win over Belarus’s Aryna Sabalenka.
Gauff described the time following last year’s presidential election as a “down period,” but said the American flags in the crowd helped power her to a three-set victory.
“Some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic, but I’m definitely patriotic and proud to be American,” the 21-year-old said. “I’m proud to represent the Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support.”
Gauff did not explicitly refer to any particular political persuasions during her postgame discussions with reporters, instead focusing on her national and personal pride.
Gauff referred to “dark thoughts” that stemmed from her 2022 loss to Iga Swiatek in the French Open finals. The rising star overcame those doubts and credited a few famous faces for helping boost her confidence.
“I didn’t think, honestly, that I could do it. But I’m going to quote [rapper] Tyler, The Creator right here. He said, ’If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying,’” Gauff said. “I’d like to leave that with you guys. I think I was lying to myself, and I definitely could do it.”
Gauff shared some of her first post-victory celebrations with filmmaker Spike Lee, who had front-row seats to the American’s triumph.
“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, Spike Lee is there,’” she said after noting that she’d spotted the Oscar winner at U.S. Open matches. “I thought, if I win this match, the first person I’m going to see is Spike Lee.”
She followed through, sharing a hearty handshake and a hug with the New York Knicks superfan after her upset win.
“I wanted to tell him that even though the Knicks didn’t win, I gave him something to cheer for,” Gauff said.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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