What I do on court is great, but what really matters is what happens off court, the people who you affect.
Coco GauffRead
I feel like a lot of times we're put in a box that people always say: 'Oh, sports and politics should stay separate and all this.' And I say, yes, but also at the same time, I'm a human first before I'm a tennis player.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Coco Gauff emphasizes the importance of recognizing our humanity beyond our professional roles.
In this quote, Coco Gauff articulates the tension between societal expectations and personal identity. She acknowledges the common divide drawn between sports and politics, yet insists that being a human being is paramount to any professional label, such as being a tennis player. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace their holistic identities and take a stand on important issues, reflecting a broader understanding of the interplay between personal beliefs and public roles.
Themes
HumanityIdentitySportsPoliticsRole
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social responsibility in sports, one might refer to this quote to encourage athletes to engage with societal issues.
More from Coco Gauff
All quotes →Everyone asks me how I stay calm on court and I think it's because I accepted who I am after overcoming low points in my life.
Coco GauffRead
The amount of people - and kids especially - that come up to me saying I inspire them is honestly better than any match I could win, just to know that I inspire another kid maybe to pick up a racquet or go through something they're facing at school.
Coco GauffRead
There's so many people going through so many, like, uncomfortable situations. For me to be - I mean, obviously being nervous is natural - but for me to think that winning a tennis match or losing a tennis match is the end of the world, I think just kind of shows what kind of privilege I have.
Coco GauffRead
Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn't want. It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast.
Coco GauffRead
It's important for us to know that our worth isn't defined by how well we do in our sport.
Coco GauffRead
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