Google News
Tennis champions continued to laud the efforts of American teen Coco Gauff for taking a strong stand against racial discrimination over the past week after the killing of George Floyd and the recent protests across the United States.
On Wednesday, the 16 year old Gauff made a powerful speech at a peaceful Florida rally, urging people to take action by registering to vote and ensuring their vote to bring about change for her generation and the future generations who are not able to vote yet.
In her speech, Gauff had said, "I demand change now. It's sad that it takes another black man's life to be lost for all of this to happen, but you have to understand that this has been going on for years."
Coco Gauff's speech at a Florida rally gets widespread acclaim
Her speech received a lot of praise from tennis champions Billie Jean King, Maria Sharapova, Chanda Rubin and Andrea Petkovic.
She had also received support from former World No. 1s Chris Evert and Kim Clijsters earlier. Billie Jean King, who has long been an advocate and a champion for equal rights, thanked Gauff for using her platform to raise awareness.
"Thank you, @CocoGauff, for using your platform to speak to both the young and the not so young about injustice. We stand with you and the entire black community" while Maria Sharapova said watching the speech was the best two minutes of her morning, "Best 2mins of my morning watching this.
You are special, @CocoGauff!! " Besides posting her own video on social media to raise awareness about the same, Gauff also featured in a video created by American ATP player Frances Tiafoe on the issue, which also featured Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Gael Monfils, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Heather Watson among others.
Here is a look at some of the tweets from the tennis stars on Gauff's speech at the Florida rally.
Thank you, @CocoGauff, for using your platform to speak to both the young and the not so young about injustice.
We stand with you and the entire black community.#BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/ISHXaToBG1 — Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 4, 2020
As a white European tennis player, it is not my place to hold big speeches. However, I feel like it is my duty to pledge allegiance and refer you to a young, fearless generation of tennis players represented by the likes of @naomiosaka @CocoGauff and @FTiafoe.
I am with you. — Andrea Petkovic (@andreapetkovic) June 4, 2020
Best 2mins of my morning watching this. You are special, @CocoGauff!! ⭐️ https://t.co/KpnYUPVNMj — Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) June 4, 2020
16 year old Coco Gauff is the youngest player in the Top 100 of the world rankings.Coco, you are wise beyond your years.
Thank you... for standing up, for your bravery, for your example, for your humanity. ✊🏽👏🏽 #blacklivesmatter — Chanda Rubin (@Chanda_Rubin) June 4, 2020
She has won 1 WTA singles titles and 2 WTA tour doubles titles in her career so far. She has take a strong stand against racial discrimination in the past week by helping to raise awareness through her social media platforms on the issue.
She reached the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships and the third round of the US Open last year as well as the fourth round of the Australian Open in January this year.