Coco Gauff recently shared a photo on her Instagram story, proudly confirming that she had participated in the 2024 United States presidential elections by casting her vote. Gauff’s post came in the midst of a pivotal election season, as in-person voting officially began on September 20, with the results set to be announced on November 5. In her post, Gauff encouraged her followers to take part in the election, captioning the image with a simple yet powerful message: “Did my duty, now go do yours.”
Gauff’s active engagement in the political process reflects a growing trend of high-profile athletes using their platforms to promote civic participation. Her decision to share her voting experience follows in the footsteps of other tennis stars like Andy Roddick and his wife, Brooklyn Decker, who also confirmed their votes earlier this season. Decker shared a picture on Instagram, capturing the moment they cast their votes in North Carolina, while also urging fellow citizens in the state to recognize the significance of their votes. “The last Senate race came down to TWO votes per precinct, that’s how tight sh*t is here. How exciting to know your vote carries that much weight,” Decker wrote, emphasizing the importance of each vote in shaping the future of the country.
As the 2024 US presidential elections approach their climax, the race is heating up between the Republican and Democratic candidates. Donald Trump, having secured the Republican nomination, chose Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate for vice president. On the Democratic side, Vice President Kamala Harris is leading the ticket, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential pick. This election represents a critical moment in American politics, with high stakes and strong emotions on both sides of the political divide.
Andy Roddick, a former world No. 1 tennis player and 2003 US Open champion, has been vocal in his criticism of Donald Trump throughout the years. Roddick’s disapproval of Trump has been well documented, particularly following Trump’s controversial claims that a past debate against Kamala Harris had been “rigged.” Now, with the election underway, Roddick and Decker made sure to publicly share their participation in the democratic process, using their influence to inspire others to vote.
Coco Gauff’s support for Kamala Harris, specifically, has been a notable aspect of her involvement in the election. In a recent interview with *Marca*, Gauff spoke highly of Harris, acknowledging the significance of seeing a Black woman on the presidential ballot. As a young Black woman herself, Gauff found inspiration in Harris’s candidacy and recognized the progress it symbolizes in terms of racial and gender representation in American politics. “No matter who you’re voting for, who you stand for, it is really incredible to see how far this country has come (for) people of color, Black people in general,” Gauff remarked. She expressed her gratitude for being able to witness such a moment in her lifetime, paying tribute to the generations of people who fought for equality and paved the way for this historic moment.
Gauff’s comments reflect a broader sentiment felt by many Americans who are witnessing the election of 2024 as more than just a political event—it’s also a cultural and social milestone. For Gauff, and others like her, Harris’s presence on the ballot is a symbol of the progress made toward racial equality and the breaking of long-standing barriers in politics. “Honestly, it takes the works of many others to pave the way, and I’m excited that I’m able to see this in my lifetime because I know many others didn’t get that chance to,” Gauff added, further highlighting the weight of this moment in history.
While Gauff has remained focused on her tennis career, she has consistently made time to address social issues and participate in important conversations, both on and off the court. Earlier in the year, during her campaign at the Cincinnati Open, Gauff expressed her hope for a peaceful presidential election, regardless of the outcome. As a public figure, she has embraced her platform to encourage civic engagement, advocating for people to make their voices heard while promoting the values of unity and peace.
As for her professional career, Gauff’s tennis journey has been equally eventful. She last competed at the 2024 Wuhan Open, where she reached the semifinals but was ultimately defeated by eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka. Despite the setback, Gauff remains a top contender on the WTA Tour and is set to join Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula at the highly anticipated WTA Finals, which will take place on November 2.
In both her athletic and civic endeavors, Coco Gauff has emerged as a role model for young athletes and fans alike. Her involvement in the political process, her support for Kamala Harris, and her willingness to use her platform for social good showcase her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the tennis court. As the 2024 election results unfold, Gauff’s call to action—”Did my duty, now go do yours”—resonates as a reminder that every voice matters in shaping the future of the country.