Tennis star Coco Gauff credits Trump re-election for French Open win: ‘I’m proud to be American’

While rising tennis star Coco Gauff was being interviewed following the French Open final, the 21-year-old credited November’s re-election of President Donald Trump for Saturday’s historic win.

However, Trump did not inspire the two-time Grand Slam champion for reasons you might assume.

Gauff, who became the first American to win the French Open in 10 years, was inspired to win, not because of, but in spite of, America’s president, she said: “To be able to be a representation of 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.

“I remember after the election and everything, it kind of felt like a down period. My mom told me during (the WTA Finals in November, which Gauff won), ‘Try to win the tournament to give something for people to smile for.’ So that’s what I was thinking about today when holding the trophy.

“And seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot. Some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic, but I’m definitely patriotic and proud to be American. I’m proud to represent the Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support.”

Gauff, America’s flag bearer for the Paris Olympics who alluded to Trump but did not mention him by name on Saturday, celebrated her historic triumph with film director Spike Lee who has traveled worldwide to support Black athletes.

“When I saw him on the court, I was like ‘If I win this match, the first person I’m gonna dap up is Spike Lee,” she said. “So, once I won the match, I went to the ground and everything, I went straight to Spike Lee. I wanted to tell him, ‘I had to do it. You know, even if the Knicks didn’t win.’ I’m glad I gave him something to cheer for.”

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