Coco Gauff is on her victory lap after winning the 2025 French Open this weekend against Aryna Sabalenka.
As the first American to win the match in a decade since Serena Williams, Gauff is looking back on what led to this momentous year she’s had professionally. Of course, her parents and coaches played a huge part in her success, but in a weird way, President Trump did too.
In an interview after her win, she explained how a president’s reelection in 2024 motivated her while she was competing (and eventually winning) the WTA Finals Riyadh, but not in the way you think.
“I remember after the election and everything, it kind of felt like a down period,” she told reporters, according to Clutch Points. “My mom told me during Riyadh, ‘Try to win the tournament to give something for people to smile for.’ So that’s what I was thinking about today when holding the trophy.”
She flipped the election results and instead embraced the patriotism associated with it within the tennis world.
The Grand Slam winner continued, “And seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot. Some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic, but I’m definitely patriotic and proud to be American. I’m proud to represent the Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support.”
This isn’t Gauff’s first light jab at President Trump in an uplifting manner. After the election, the then 20-year-old led with a message of hope, tweeting, “Allow yourself to feel how you feel during tough times… especially today. Just lean on God with your concerns. He is the highest power. Remember that.”
Gauff was pretty composed when she clapped back at Sabalenka, too, who later apologized for saying Gauff only won because she made a lot of mistakes.
“I know she was probably a bit emotional after that match and it was a tough loss,” Gauff said on Good Morning America. “I was a little bit surprised about the comments and everything, but I’m gonna give her the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure it was an emotional day, emotional match.”
See how social media is reacting to Gauff flipping Trump’s reelection below.