Gauff shows true colors with Trump dig in French | Sports News

Coco Gauff referenced overcoming the end result of the newest U.S. election when explaining how a lot it means to win the French Open, as she made her emotions clear about Donald Trump and his administration.

On Saturday, Gauff beat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the ultimate of the French Open to win her second profession main, and grow to be the primary American to win a singles title at Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2015. Sabalenka’s post-match interview was met with backlash as she blamed her own efficiency for the loss, slightly than reward Gauff for her efforts.

Gauff fought back after dropping a first-set tiebreak and went the gap to secure her maiden French Open. Gauff used her successful second to ship a clear message, claiming that she would not at the moment “feel supported during this time period” as she referenced the Trump administration.

“It means a lot. Obviously there’s a lot going on in our country right now,” Gauff stated after Saturday’s victory. “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 bear in mind after the election and every little thing, it variety of felt like a down period. My mother instructed me, ‘Try to win the event to provide one thing for people to smile for.’ So that is what I used to be enthusiastic about immediately 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 additionally took a shot at Trump when he first received the election, as she posted a non secular assertion on Instagram. “Allow yourself to feel how you feel during tough times… especially today,” Gauff wrote. “Just lean on God with your concerns.

“He is the best energy. Remember that.” Gauff wrote that message alongside a photo of a sign, which read: “Replace anxiousness with prayer.”

Gauff’s previous Grand Slam success came at the 2023 U.S. Open, which firmly put her name on the map. Gauff was only 19 at the time, as she became the first American teenager to win a major singles title since Williams, who she continues to draw comparisons to.

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The Democrats were still in power when Gauff clinched the U.S. Open title at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and she was congratulated by Joe Biden, who was president at the time. “Congrats to U.S. Open Champion @CocoGauff,” Biden wrote.

“You electrified Arthur Ashe stadium and the whole nation – the primary of more to return and proof that something is feasible should you by no means give up and all the time consider. You’ve made America so proud.”

Former U.S. President, Barack Obama, also posted a congratulatory message to Gauff after her success. “Congratulations to US Open champion, @CocoGauff!” he wrote. “We couldn’t be prouder of you on and off the court docket – and we all know the best is but to return.”

Trump is but to post about Gauff’s success, as an alternative focusing his consideration on UFC 316 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The solely sports-related post on Trump’s social media accounts from June 7 shows him strolling out to ‘USA’ chants on the UFC occasion, the place he was joined by company president Dana White.