“I Feel a Bit Fatigued,” Coco Gauff Gets Real About Donald Trump and US Politics After Dominant Australian Open Win
Coco Gauff advanced at the Australian Open with a straight set win over Olga Danilovic.
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Coco Gauff and Donald Trump (via Sports Tak)
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Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis phenomenon, had just dismantled Olga Danilovic in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) to breeze into the third round of the 2026 Australian Open. The match took barely over an hour. She was clinical, dominant, and looked every bit the Grand Slam champion she is.
But the moment Gauff stepped into the press room in Melbourne, the conversation shifted away from forehands and serve percentages. Instead, the spotlight swung immediately to the political climate back home.
With Donald Trump one year into his second term as President, reporters weren’t just asking about her game; they wanted her take on the state of America. Gauff said in her Australian Open press conference:
I hope forward that we can have a lot more peace in our country and more kindness in the way we speak to each other about different topics & things like that. Obviously I’ve been pretty vocal about how I felt. At this point, I feel a bit fatigued talking about it just because of the fact that it is hard being a black woman in this country and having to experience things, even online, and seeing marginalized communities being affected.. and knowing that I can only donate and speak out. I try my best to do that. But I hope that as time continues that we can reach a state that we’re not currently in, and we keep moving forward.
It didn’t take long for the press conference to pivot. The very first question hurled at Gauff wasn’t about her next opponent or court conditions, but about the political landscape in the United States.
Coco Gauff was asked about the state of America 1 year into the 2nd Trump Administration
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 21, 2026
“I hope forward that we can have a lot more peace in our country and more kindness in the way we speak to each other about different topics & things like that. Obviously I’ve been pretty… pic.twitter.com/6RfXmMTq3p
At just 21 years old, Gauff has spent a significant portion of her teenage years in the public eye, often asked to weigh in on heavy social justice issues. With the political climate in the U.S. remaining polarized one year into the new administration, Gauff expressed a simple wish of finding peace in her country.
Coco Gauff: More than just talk
While she might be tired of the political back-and-forth, Coco Gauff isn’t stepping back from making a tangible difference. During the same press appearances, the conversation shifted to her philanthropic work, specifically her commitment to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
Gauff revealed she has donated $150,000 to the organization in 2026, topping the $100,000 she contributed the previous year. For Gauff, this isn’t just charity; it’s personal history. She spoke warmly about her family ties to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), noting that her grandmothers and other relatives are HBCU alumni.
By funding scholarships, Gauff is looking to provide financial stability and confidence to the next generation of Black students. It’s a move that speaks louder than any political commentary could—shifting the focus from the noise of Washington to the quiet power of education and opportunity.
What’s next for Coco Gauff in Melbourne?
Before the heavy questions landed, Coco Gauff took care of business on the court. Her second-round performance was a masterclass in efficiency. Facing Olga Danilovic, Gauff didn’t give an inch, wrapping up the contest in a swift one hour and 17 minutes. It was exactly the kind of match a top seed hopes for early in a major tournament—low stress physically, allowing her to save energy for the second week.
Despite the heavy topics swirling around her post-match interviews, Gauff has a tournament to play. The draw doesn’t stop for politics.
She now advances to the third round, where she will face a familiar face: compatriot Hailey Baptiste. It’s an all-American clash that usually brings out the best in competitive spirits. While the reporters might keep asking about the White House, Gauff’s immediate focus has to remain on the hard courts of Melbourne Park.
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