Coco Gauff heaped praise on the ‘inspirational’ Kamala Harris, while the reigning US Open champion was keen to talk to the Vice President about her ‘crazy’ journey to the top of this country’s highest office.
Harris could become the first female president in US history if she defeats Donald Trump in this year’s close election.
The vice president is the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, and Gauff said Harris’ story is an important milestone in the country’s progress, regardless of political affiliation.
The world number three, still only 20, also revealed how she once harboured vague hopes of entering politics – or even the British royal family.
“It’s really incredible. It doesn’t matter who you vote for, who you stand for, it’s really incredible to see how far this country has come (for) people of color, black people in general,” she said.
Coco Gauff praises ‘inspirational’ Kamala Harris ahead of 2024 US Open
Harris could become the first female president in US history if she defeats Donald Trump
“It’s really inspiring to see someone on that ballot. Honestly, it takes the work of many others to pave the way and I’m glad I get to experience this in my lifetime because I know many others don’t have that opportunity.”
Gauff met Barack and Michelle Obama on her journey to winning her first Grand Slam at last year’s US Open. She also spoke briefly with Harris when the vice president congratulated her on her victory at Flushing Meadows.
The reigning champion would love to meet the Democratic nominee and hear more of her “inspiring” story. “How she got to this point in her life,” Gauff said.
The 20-year-old is looking to defend her US Open title after winning her first major in 2023
“It’s crazy how someone can be one of us and then become president,” Gauff said
“I know her mother was an immigrant and I think it’s mind-blowing for anyone, really, to see how someone can be one of us and then become president or vice president of the United States.
“I would just ask her about her story and, you know, what were the steps that led her to that point. I think almost every kid at some point thought they were going to be the next president of the United States.”
Gauff added: ‘I always knew I wanted to be a tennis player. But as a super young kid, like four or five, you see the kid, I don’t know if any of you have ever heard of (viral show) “Kid President,” and you think, I want to be just like him.
“I’m sure at that age I had the idea that I was going to be the next president or queen of England or something crazy like that,” Gauff said, laughing. “But then you get older and you realize that’s not the reality.”