"Her mother was an immigrant, it's crazy how a person can be one of us and become president": When Coco Gauff spoke on being inspired by Kamala Harris
Coco Gauff feels a kinship to Vice President Kamala Harris, marveling at how someone who looked like her could potentially become the president of the United States. Gauff also expressed her desire to have an in-depth conversation with Harris, having only had a brief exchange with the vice president after her triumph at the 2023 US Open.
Gauff entered the 2024 edition of the New York Major as the defending champion, amid the backdrop of the US presidential election, set to be held on November 5. With Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, the American reflected on how "inspiring" it was to see "how far this country had come" for people of color, especially with a Black woman on the presidential ballot.
Speaking in her pre-tournament press conference, Coco Gauff opened up about her desire to learn about the vice president's personal story on a deeper level after hearing about her intriguing journey in speeches.
Highlighting that Kamala Harris was the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, Gauff emphasized how "crazy" it was to witness the racial progress that Harris' vice presidency and potential presidency symbolized.
"Yeah, I haven't gone -- I've only briefly spoke to her when she congratulated me for US Open last year. What I would ask her is maybe just her story, personal story growing up and how she got to this point in her life."
Gauff added:
"Obviously I know just from watching, like, you know, her speeches and learning about her story, but I guess from a more personal perspective, because I know her mother was an immigrant. I think anybody, really, it's kind of crazy to see how a person can be, like, one of us and then become the president of the United States or vice president of the United States,"
Coco Gauff further shared that she would love to hear more about Harris' path through the ranks of the US government, admitting that, like many children, she too had once harbored dreams of becoming the US president.
"I think I would ask her just her story and, you know, what were the stepping stones to that point, because I think at one point almost every kid said they were going to be the next president of the United States. So it would be cool to hear her story from her perspective and I guess not on the news and stuff."
"Your drive and determination are an inspiration to the millions of little girls watching" - Kamala Harris congratulated Coco Gauff on US Open 2023 triumph
Coco Gauff won her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, beating Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the final. The American was showered with congratulatory messages from several notable figures, including former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama.
Vice President Kamala Harris also sent a heartfelt message to Gauff, commending her for inspiring millions of young girls with her drive and passion. Harris also expressed confidence that the American star's triumph in New York would be the first of many Major titles.
"Congratulations, @CocoGauff! Your drive and determination are an inspiration to the millions of little girls watching. I feel confident that while this is your first Major title, it won’t be your last."
Coco Gauff has cast her vote in the 2024 US presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. She made her stance on the election clear by endorsing Michelle Obama's concerns about the "chilling effect" Trump would have on "critical abortion care" and the "entirety of women's health" if he was voted into office.