Coco Gauff says Trump's election led to 'down period' in US following French Open victory

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Coco Gauff became the first American in a decade to lift the trophy after the women’s singles final at Roland-Garros and she was asked what it means to represent the United States. 

After defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to win the French Open, Gauff was asked what it’s like traveling the world as an American.

"It means a lot. Obviously there’s a lot going on in our country right now," Gauff responded, via The Tennis Letter. "Just to be a representation of that and a representation of people that look like me in America, who maybe don’t feel as supported during this time period. Being that reflection of hope and light for those people."

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Coco Gauff poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka at Roland Garros Stadium. (Susan Mullane-Imagn Images)

Gauff continued by bringing up this past year’s presidential election, and the response by the country after President Donald Trump was elected for his second term. She referred to it as a "down period" in the States. 

"I remember after the election and everything, it felt like a down period a little bit. My mom told me during Riyadh, try to win the tournament just to give people something to smile for. That’s what I was thinking about today," Gauff said. 

Despite the "down period" comment, Gauff said she is "definitely patriotic."

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"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. I’m proud to