‘One of My Favorite’ – Coco Gauff’s Powerful Message on People’s Rights Leaves Serena Williams’ Ex-coach in Awe of Her‘One of My Favorite’ – Coco Gauff’s Powerful Message on People’s Rights Leaves Serena Williams’ Ex-coach in Awe of Her
Coco Gauff’s Pride Month Advocacy Wows Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach
Coco Gauff, the world No. 2, delivered a powerful Pride Month message on June 1, 2025, during the French Open, earning praise from Rick Macci, Serena Williams’ former coach, for her advocacy of people’s rights. Her bold stance, shared while advancing to the fourth round, underscores her resilience, akin to that of John McEnroe’s critique of Emma Raducanu and Paula Badosa’s optimism.
Gauff’s Message and Macci’s Reaction
Gauff posted on X, “happy pride month ❤️ i’m always proud to be an ally ! everyone deserves to be celebrated, seen, and treated fairly🫂,” after her 6-1, 7-6(3) win over Marie Bouzková on May 31, per Sportskeeda.com, @CocoGauff. Macci, responding to Tennis.com, called Gauff “one of my favorite players,” lauding her off-court impact: “She’s a champion for equality… her voice carries weight,” per Tennis.com, @MSports_all. He highlighted her authenticity, noting, “Coco’s not just playing tennis; she’s changing the game,” per Tennis.com. X user @A_Lo__ praised her resilience against homophobic replies, per @A_Lo__.
Gauff’s Advocacy Context
Gauff’s Pride Month message builds on her history of activism, including her 2022 opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and a 2020 Black Lives Matter rally speech, per Advocate.com, EssentiallySports.com. At Roland Garros, she also criticized the lack of women’s matches in night sessions, aligning with Jessica Pegula, per Sportskeeda.com. Her $100,000 donation to HBCU tennis programs reflects her broader commitment, per Motociclismo.pt. Macci’s awe echoes his 2024 praise of Gauff’s forehand as “the best in the world,” per Tennis.com.
French Open Performance
Gauff, seeded second, faces Ekaterina Alexandrova on June 2, holding a 3-1 head-to-head edge, per ProFootballNetwork.com. Her 24-8 season, including a 2024 French Open doubles title and WTA Finals win, showcases her clay prowess, per WTATennis.com. Chris Evert’s analysis of Raducanu and Naomi Osaka’s post-Slam struggles contrasts with Gauff’s ability to balance advocacy and performance, per Tennis365.com.
Parallels to Resilience
Gauff’s activism mirrors Badosa’s optimism after her French Open exit, per Nine.com.au, and Paolini’s composure in defusing a fan fight, per SI.com. Littler’s defiance against darts crowds and McEnroe’s call for Raducanu’s coaching stability reflect similar fortitude, per GBNews.com, Tennis365.com. Phil Taylor’s warning to Littler about 25 years of dedication parallels Gauff’s long-term impact, per DailyRecord.co.uk.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s Pride Month message, “everyone deserves to be celebrated,” left Rick Macci in awe, calling her a champion for equality, per Tennis.com, @MSports_all. Her French Open fourth-round run and advocacy, from opposing discriminatory laws to supporting HBCUs, amplify her influence, per Sportskeeda.com. Like Badosa’s hope, Paolini’s poise, and Littler’s grit, Gauff’s resilience shines. She plays Alexandrova on June 2, live on TNT Sports.
