Tennis Star Coco Gauff Was Only Proud To Represent 'Americans That Look Like Me' After Winning French Open

Female tennis player Coco Gauff soaked in her win at the French Open on Saturday for about five seconds - and then turned the moment into a conversation about race.

Gauff defeated No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 to become the first American to win at Roland-Garros since Serena Williams won in 2015. It is her second major title after winning the U.S. Open in 2023.

That’s an incredible moment for American tennis, one that should make all who follow the sport in the States proud. 

Right?

Well, that’s how most people would see it, but Gauff had a more race-specific outlook of the moment.

While she did pay homage to the United States and to being ‘patriotic,’ she said that her victory was special because it allowed her to represent people who look like her and support the things that she supports.

"I’m proud to be American. I’m proud to represent Americans that look like me," Gauff said.

Hold up. What about all the other tennis fans who aren’t Black Americans but who were cheering Gauff on?

Didn’t seem to cross her mind as she continued.

"Obviously there’s a lot going on in our country right now. 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," Gauff said. "Being that reflection of hope and light for those people. I remember after the election and everything, it felt like a down period a little bit...That’s what I was thinking about today. Seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot. 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 represent Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the