At just 21, Coco Gauff has solidified her place not only as a tennis prodigy but also as a formidable voice for social change, captivating fans and peers alike with her unwavering commitment to advocating for people’s rights. On June 1, 2025, as the tennis world celebrated the start of Pride Month, Gauff took to social media to share a heartfelt message supporting the LGBTQ+ community, a gesture that resonated deeply with Rennae Stubbs, Serena Williams’ former coach. Stubbs, a prominent figure in tennis and an openly lesbian advocate, was moved to tears by Gauff’s words, declaring, “This young woman is one of my favorite people, ever! Thank you Coco! For always using your platform for good.” Her emotional response underscores the profound impact of Gauff’s activism, which continues to inspire beyond the court.
Gauff’s message was a bold affirmation of inclusivity, reflecting her ongoing dedication to championing marginalized communities. As a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport, she has consistently used her platform to address issues like racial equality, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her advocacy gained significant attention ahead of the 2024 WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, a country with a controversial record on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. During a pre-tournament press conference, Gauff emphasized the importance of meaningful engagement, stating, “I was pretty much on every player call I could make with WTA. One of the things I said, if we come here, we can’t just come here and play our tournament and leave. Like, we have to have a real program or real plan in place.” She further highlighted her focus on advancing discussions around “LGBTQ issues, women’s rights issues, how we can help with that,” showcasing her commitment to driving change through action, not just words.
This stance aligns with Gauff’s broader ethos, shaped by her idol, Serena Williams, whose trailblazing career broke barriers for Black athletes and women in tennis. Gauff, who carried the American flag alongside LeBron James at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony—the first Black tennis player to do so—acknowledged the significance of her role. “It means a lot to me. Especially in a sport like tennis where it is a predominantly White sport. Having Serena and Venus, kind of, lead that path for me and pave that path for me,” she said, reflecting on how the Williams sisters inspired her to embrace her identity and influence. Her actions echo their legacy, blending athletic excellence with a fearless commitment to social justice.
Stubbs, who coached Serena Williams during her final 2022 US Open campaign, has long admired Gauff’s maturity and courage. As a six-time Grand Slam doubles champion and a vocal advocate for equality, Stubbs has experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating a sport with deep-rooted inequities. Her relationship with partner Eden Bruce, celebrated openly on social media, mirrors Gauff’s unapologetic advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Stubbs’ heartfelt reaction—“This young woman is one of my favorite people, ever!”—reflects a personal connection to Gauff’s message, amplified by the young star’s ability to wield her influence at such a young age.
Gauff’s activism comes at a pivotal moment in her career. Currently competing at the 2025 French Open, she advanced to the fourth round with a commanding performance, setting up a clash with Ekaterina Alexandrova. Her season has been a mix of triumphs and challenges, including a United Cup victory and a WTA Finals title in Riyadh, where she defeated Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling final. Yet, her journey has not been without hurdles, with critics pointing to technical flaws like her second serve and forehand. Despite these, Stubbs and other mentors, like Rick Macci, remain confident in her potential. Macci, another of Williams’ former coaches, recently predicted, “Coco has untapped potential and can get to number one and most of all stay there,” provided she refines her serve.
Gauff’s ability to balance her on-court ambitions with off-court advocacy sets her apart as a generational talent. Her donation of $100,000 to UNICEF for HBCU students playing tennis further exemplifies her commitment to uplifting underserved communities, a move Stubbs celebrated with a clapping hands emoji on social media. As Gauff navigates the pressures of professional tennis, her resolve to speak out remains unshaken. “Pay attention to your idols, try to emulate, but not an exact copy,” she advised young players, citing her approach to learning from Serena without losing her individuality. This philosophy drives her activism, blending inspiration from her heroes with a unique voice that resonates globally.
As the French Open unfolds, Gauff’s influence extends far beyond her forehand and backhand. Her Pride Month message, lauded by Stubbs, is a testament to her role as a beacon for change, inspiring a new generation of athletes to use their platforms for good. With the tennis world watching, Gauff continues to honor her idols while forging her own path, proving that her impact—on and off the court—is only beginning to take shape.
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