“Coco Gauff can change the world for the better” – When Martina Navratilova praised American’s upbringing after her Black Lives Matter activism

In July 2020, tennis legend Martina Navratilova lauded 16-year-old Coco Gauff, declaring she “can change the world for the better” following Gauff’s powerful Black Lives Matter (BLM) activism, per The Independent. Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, was impressed by Gauff’s poise during a speech at a BLM rally in Delray Beach, Florida, after George Floyd’s death in May 2020, per BBC Sport. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Navratilova said, “She’s just so poised on and off the court… She was brought up with great qualities and it shows how she’s active now politically,” crediting Gauff’s parents for her strength of character, per Sportskeeda.

Gauff’s activism began with a video asking, “Am I next?” and culminated in her June 2020 rally speech, where she urged action against racial injustice, stating, “If you are choosing silence, you’re choosing the side of the oppressor,” per USA Today. She highlighted ongoing systemic issues, referencing Trayvon Martin and Breonna Taylor, and called for voting and tough conversations, per Vogue. Navratilova noted Gauff’s leadership in tennis’s history of social change, saying, “Sport has always been at the forefront of social change… and now with Coco Gauff leading the charge, we’re still there,” per Sky Sports.

Gauff’s influence has grown since, with her 2025 French Open title and continued advocacy, including climate change and equality, reinforcing Navratilova’s belief in her transformative potential, per NBC News. X posts, like @Tennis_Updates5, recently revisited Navratilova’s praise, affirming Gauff’s lasting impact, per @Tennis_Updates5.