Tennis: Gauff gives “hope and light” for black America

Coco Gauff should have been particularly pleased about this message. “Congratulations to @cocogauff for a great title at the French Open-the first American single champion for a decade @rolandgarros. You are proud of us all,” wrote former US President Barack Obama on the platform X on the spectacular French Open Triumph of the 21-year-old.

In the final, Gauff prevailed against the world ranking aryna Sabalenka in adverse external conditions with 6: 7 (5: 7), 6: 2, 6: 4 and thus celebrated her second Grand Slam title after the US Open 2023.

Gauff thinks at home at difficult time

In the hour of sporting happiness, Gauff did not only think of himself and the ups and downs that she has already experienced despite her young age. Rather, she embedded what happened in the very big context and dedicated the title of all those people who suffer from the policy of the current US President Donald Trump in the United States.

It means a lot to be a representative “for people who look like me and who do not feel particularly supported in the current phase,” said the black world rankings. Giving these people “a little hope and light” is a good feeling.

After Trump’s victory in the presidential election in November last year, she felt a bit depressed. Her mother then told her during the WTA finals in Saudi Arabia: “Just win the tournament to just give people something about what they can smile about,” said the 21-year-old. “I also thought of that today when I kept the trophy and heard the American national anthem.”

Gauff as a model for many

Some people may be critical, but “I am definitely patriotic and proud to be an American,” said Gauff, who has often spoken on political and social issues in the past. “I am proud to represent the Americans who look like me and those who support the things that I also support.”

It is remarkable how reflecting Gauff appears with just 21 years and has long been more than the second best tennis player in the world. Gauff has become a role model for an entire generation and a complete group of society, which in times of right pressure and exclusion of minorities is not only struggling in the United States.

The American, entitled in the Stade Roland Garros, has finally reached the Tennis Olympus with the title in Stade Roland Garros. Three years ago, she was shown in the Paris final by Polish Iga Swiatek and had bitterly cried on the Court Philippe-Chatrier. Tears flowed again this time, when Gauff dropped onto his back after the transformed match ball and then kneeling with his hands on the red ash kneeling towards her parents and supporters in the stands.

“First of all, I would like to thank God. I had to go through a lot after my defeat three years ago, I had self-doubt. I’m just happy to be here,” said Gauff, after receiving the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen from the hands of the former French Open winner Justine Henin.