Coco Gauff’s Blunt Message to America: “People Shouldn’t Be Dying in the Streets Just for Existing”

The 21-year-old tennis star refuses to stay silent on killings by federal agents, immigration crackdowns, and why she’ll never “shut up and dribble”

February 16, 2026 | 4 min read

Coco Gauff is thousands of miles from home, preparing for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. But America keeps finding her.

The 21-year-old has had the news on in the background almost every day. She’s watching reports of harsh immigration crackdowns. Federal agents killing protesters. A country she loves drifting further from the values she was raised to believe in.

And she’s not staying silent.

“Everything going on in the US, obviously I’m not really for it. I don’t think people should be dying in the streets just for existing. I don’t like what’s going on,” Gauff said in Dubai on Sunday.

What Gauff Is Talking About

The world No. 4 specifically referenced the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal agents in Minnesota. Incidents that have sparked outrage but received limited mainstream coverage.

For Gauff, this is personal.

“I think for me, it is tough to sometimes wake up and see something because I do care a lot about our country. I think people think I don’t for some reason, but I do. I’m very proud to be American.

“But I think when you’re from any country, you don’t have to represent the entire values of what’s going on in the leadership. I think there’s a lot of people around there who believe in the things I believe in, and believe in diversity and equality. So, I’m hoping as the future progresses that we can get back to those values.”

Gauff didn’t inherit just tennis talent from her family.

Her grandmother’s experiences have been passed down, not as history, but as a living guide to speaking truth to power.

Gauff has been hearing that rhetoric since she was a teenager. Her response has never wavered.

At 16, she stood at a Black Lives Matter rally in her hometown and delivered a stirring speech, quoting Martin Luther King Jr:

“The silence of the good people is worse than the brutality of the bad people.”

Her grandmother watched from the crowd.

Gauff has also spoken out against the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, telling the National News two years ago:

“It’s important for us as privileged civilians to do our research and just continuing to demand our leaders to make change. I will never not advocate for that.”

When asked if she ever feels torn about wading into politics, her answer was immediate.

“I never felt torn when I’m asked a question because it is relevant. If you’re asking me, I’m going to tell you how I feel.”

She has little patience for those who tell athletes to stay in their lane.

“I think a lot of people on social media, on the other hand, like to say to stay out of politics, stay out of the things that are going on.

“You’re going to be asked these things in press. People want to hear our opinion on it. Some players choose to say ‘no comment’, which is also completely in their right. I understand that. Some prefer to state their opinion.

“I think the biggest thing I hate is when people say, ‘stay out of it’, when we’re being asked it. If you ask me, I’m going to give you my honest answer.

“When I’m asked, I have no problems. Because I’ve lived this. My grandma literally is an activist. This is literally my life. So I’m OK answering tough questions.”

What’s Next

Gauff begins her Dubai campaign Tuesday against Anna Kalinskaya. On the court, she’s world No. 4, a two-time Grand Slam champion, and one of tennis’s brightest stars.

Off the court, she’s something else entirely. A 21-year-old who refuses to look away. Who carries her grandmother’s legacy into every press conference. Who believes that athletes have both a right and a responsibility to speak.

“I don’t think people should be dying in the streets just for existing.”

It’s not a political statement. It’s a human one. And Coco Gauff isn’t backing down.

“This Is Insane!” Mother and Son Make History at Winter Olympics, And She’s 46

Sarah Schleper and Lasse Gaxiola just did something no family has ever done in Winter Games history

February 16, 2026 | 3 min read

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The 2026 Winter Olympics already had drama, triumph, and heartbreak. But nothing quite like this.

For the first time in Winter Games history, a mother and son competed together on the same Olympic stage.

American-born skier Sarah Schleper, 46—competing for Mexico—and her 18-year-old son Lasse Gaxiola just pulled off something no family has ever done.

They didn’t just appear in the same Games—they competed in overlapping disciplines, sharing the slopes, the pressure, and the history .

Sarah Schleper

This wasn’t Schleper’s first rodeo. Far from it.

At 46, she’s still flying down mountains that would terrify athletes half her age. Her super-G run didn’t qualify, but the giant slalom gave her—and her son—a chance to share the Olympic experience .

Lasse Gaxiola

For Lasse, skiing isn’t just a sport—it’s a family tradition.

“I’ve basically been on skis since I could walk,” he said in a pre-Games interview.

Competing in both giant slalom and slalom, the 18-year-old carried the weight of the Mexican flag—and the surreal experience of having his mom in the same athlete village .

Imagine qualifying for the Olympics. Now imagine looking across the start gate and seeing your mother.

That’s exactly what happened in Cortina.

While they competed in different events, their paths crossed in the most meaningful way possible: both representing Mexico, both chasing Olympic dreams, both part of the same historic footnote .

This isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s a testament to how far athletic careers can stretch—and how family bonds can transcend competition .

Schleper has already cemented her legacy: seven Olympics, two countries, one historic moment with her son.

For Lasse, this is just the beginning. At 18, he has decades of potential ahead. But no matter how many Games he competes in, none will ever top the one he shared with his mom.

As for the rest of the Olympics? They’ll keep churning out medals and records. But the image of a mother and son, both wearing Mexico’s colors, both chasing the same impossible dream? That’s the kind of history no gold medal can capture.

“It’s Heartbreaking”: World No.5 Anisimova Breaks Silence on 25-Year-Old’s Shock Retirement

Amanda Anisimova responds to Destanee Aiava’s explosive exit—but admits she doesn’t have all the answers

February 17, 2026 | 4 min read

DUBAI — The tennis world is still reeling from Destanee Aiava’s explosive retirement statement—and now one of the WTA’s biggest stars has weighed in.

World No. 5 Amanda Anisimova addressed Aiava’s bombshell accusations during press conferences at the Dubai Tennis Championships, calling the situation “heartbreaking” while admitting she lacks the full context of her fellow player’s experience.

Aiava, 25, announced her retirement earlier this week in a scathing social media post that didn’t hold back:

The Australian, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 147, concluded that tennis had damaged her health, family relationships, and self-worth .

Asked about Aiava’s post in Dubai, Anisimova chose her words carefully—balancing empathy with honesty about her own limitations.

“I would say that’s tough for me to answer. Obviously, the post was disheartening, and it was sad to read.”

The 24-year-old American, who herself took a mental health break from tennis in 2023, acknowledged she doesn’t have the full picture.

“I personally don’t know her story. I don’t know her that well. I’m not really sure what she was talking about in that aspect. I don’t know if she was talking more about the reactions she received on social media or people in tennis.

“I just don’t know enough in detail to be able to answer that question.”

Then came the emotional core of her response:

“At the end of the day it is heartbreaking she had that experience. Hopefully, maybe she’ll change her mind and have a restart in tennis. You never know.”

Who Is Destanee Aiava?

Aiava’s journey began with promise—she played an exhibition match with Steffi Graf as a junior and won the U18 Girls’ Australian Championships in 2016 to earn her Australian Open wildcard .

Her best Grand Slam results came in 2024 and 2025, reaching the second round of doubles and singles respectively at Melbourne Park .

Aiava’s retirement has reignited debates the sport often prefers to avoid:

Anisimova’s own history adds weight to her words. In 2023, she stepped away from tennis for several months, citing burnout and mental health struggles—making her uniquely positioned to understand what Aiava might be feeling .

The American is in Dubai preparing for her first match since retiring from her opener at the Qatar Open. She was scheduled to face Barbora Krejcikova in the second round, but the Czech’s withdrawal means Anisimova advances directly to the Round of 16, where she’ll meet Janice Tjen .

For Aiava, the future is uncertain. Her statement suggested she’s done with tennis—but Anisimova’s hope for a “restart” reflects a sentiment shared by many who’ve seen players return after time away.

“She Was Just Sharper”: Mboko Opens Up on Brutal Truth Behind Qatar Open Final Loss

Ben Shelton Saves Three Championship Points to Stun Taylor Fritz in Dallas Thriller

World No. 9 survives set down and match-point danger to claim fourth ATP title in front of rapturous home crowd

By Tennis Majors
February 15, 2026 | 3 min read

DALLAS — Ben Shelton reinforced his reputation as the ATP Tour’s ultimate competitor on Sunday, saving three championship points to stun top seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a high-octane Dallas Open final.

The 23-year-old world No. 9 recovered from a set down for the third consecutive match to secure his fourth career ATP title—and his eighth career win over a top-10 opponent.

“A crazy match to be part of,” both players agreed during the trophy ceremony.

Match Summary

Fritz, ranked No. 7, appeared in total command early, taking the opening set with clinical serving. But the drama peaked in the deciding set:

The left-hander’s path to the trophy was a masterclass in endurance:

Four of five matches went the distance. Each time, Shelton found a way through.

Key Stats

Shelton’s ability to remain aggressive behind his second serve proved the statistical difference in a contest of relentless power.

The top seed reached the final following a series of tight tiebreak battles against Marin Cilic, Sebastian Korda, and Marcos Giron—but could not land the final blow against Shelton’s surging momentum.

For Shelton, the Dallas title is further proof that his combination of power, athleticism, and competitive fire belongs on the game’s biggest stages. For Fritz, another final defeat will sting—but his run confirmed his place among the ATP’s top tier.

Rotterdam: De Minaur Survives Massive Scare to Keep Title Dream Alive

Australian No. 1 battles past Van de Zandschulp to reach third consecutive semi-final in Rotterdam

By Henry Wancke
February 14, 2026 | 3 min read

ROTTERDAM — Top seed Alex de Minaur is through to the ABN AMRO Open semi-finals, but only after surviving a monumental scare against home favourite Botic van de Zandschulp in a 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-5 quarter-final thriller.

The world No. 8, chasing a third consecutive final appearance in Rotterdam, dug deep into his mental reserves to overcome a Dutchman playing well above his No. 68 ranking.

Match Summary

De Minaur trailed 2-0 in the deciding set before mounting his comeback, saving five of seven break points faced—including three during a crucial service hold at 3-3 in the second set.

“It wasn’t looking too good about three quarters of the way through the match, but I managed to find some of my better tennis today at the end of the second set,” de Minaur said.

“Another great mental effort. I’m happy I got through.”

With this victory, de Minaur becomes just the second player in tournament history to reach three consecutive semi-finals, joining Dutch legend Tom Okker (1974-76).

The Australian is now 15-2 on Dutch soil since the start of 2024, a tally that includes the 2024 ‘s-Hertogenbosch title.

Semi-Final Showdown

Awaiting de Minaur in Saturday’s last four is Ugo Humbert, who dispatched Christopher O’Connell 6-4, 6-1 to win his 10th consecutive quarter-final. Humbert’s only break came in the 10th game of the opener, after which he ran away with the match.

Bublik Joins Semi-Final Line-Up

In other quarter-final action:

• Alexander Bublik defeated Jaume Munar 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(3) in 2hr 42min

• The win marked Bublik’s 200th tour-level victory—a first for Kazakhstan

• He will face Felix Auger-Aliassime, who beat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(2), 6-2

“When you play him, you know all the balls will come back,” Bublik said of Munar. “The grand plan was to get winners and shorten the points.”

Auger-Aliassime, last week’s Montpellier champion, extended his winning streak to seven matches.

De Minaur remains on course for a third straight Rotterdam final—but with Humbert, Bublik, and Auger-Aliassime standing in his way, the path won’t get any easier.

Denis Shapovalov Blames Roger Federer for His One-Handed Backhand—And Career Disadvantage

Canadian says he chose the “dying art” because he grew up idolizing the 20-time Grand Slam champion

By Simone Brugnoli & Callum Davies
February 13, 2026 | 3 min read

Denis Shapovalov has pointed an unlikely finger at Roger Federer when explaining why his career never quite reached the heights predicted after his breakthrough win over Rafael Nadal in 2017.

The 26-year-old Canadian, once touted as a future world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion, has only flirted with the top 10, peaking at No. 10 and reaching a solitary Wimbledon semifinal in 2021. Now, speaking at the Dallas Open, he’s offered a candid explanation: his one-handed backhand—a shot he adopted because of Federer—has become a liability in the modern game.

“I Blame Roger Federer”

“In a way, the one-handed backhand represents a strength because it allows you to generate more power, find sharper angles, and be more spectacular,” Shapovalov told reporters.

“But in today’s game, it’s very much heading towards the way of having a solid two-handed backhand. The game is so quick today, it helps to have that extra arm.

“That’s why it’s so much more rare to see guys with one-handed backhands. I blame Roger Federer. I grew up watching him and wanted to play like him. That’s definitely a big reason why I have a one-hander.”

The Federer Effect

Federer’s influence on a generation of players is undeniable. Grigor Dimitrov was famously dubbed “Baby Fed.” Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted he chose the one-hander as a six-year-old watching Federer. Dominic Thiem credited Federer as the reason he stuck with the shot.

But what worked for Federer—arguably the most elegant player in history—hasn’t translated for others. The one-handed backhand requires flawless timing and footwork, and against the modern power game of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, it’s increasingly a target.

Shapovalov’s comments come as the one-handed backhand becomes increasingly rare. At the 2026 Australian Open, only a handful of players in the top 50 still used it.

Federer himself acknowledged the shot’s challenges in 2025, admitting he spent years trying to fix its inconsistencies.

Shapovalov reached the Dallas Open quarterfinals this week, keeping hopes alive that he can still fulfill some of that early promise. But his candid assessment raises a question: in the era of Alcaraz and Sinner, is there still room for Federer’s signature shot?

For Shapovalov, the answer may determine the rest of his career.

New 2,000-seat Court 1 to debut at 2026 tournament as venue undergoes biggest upgrade in 30-year history

By Robert Ilsley, Sports Reporter
Last updated: February 13, 2026 | 3 min read

DUBAI — The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is set for a dramatic transformation, with organisers unveiling a two-phase redevelopment of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and Aviation Club Tennis Complex—the most significant upgrade in the event’s 30-year history.

What’s Coming in 2026

Fans attending this year’s tournament, which begins Sunday, will be the first to experience the changes:

Tickets for the 2026 Championships start from Dh65, with sales already open.

The second phase, scheduled for completion ahead of the 2027 tournament, will deliver:

• Centre Court expansion: +2,500 seats (≈50% capacity increase)

• Upgraded concourses, seating, and hospitality zones

• Fully reimagined Northern and Southern Fan Villages

• Activation areas, shaded seating, expanded F&B offerings

Why This Matters

“These redevelopment works represent a defining moment for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Tournament Organising Committee Chair.

“For more than three decades, this venue has been central to Dubai’s sporting identity. These upgrades and expansions ensure we continue to raise the bar in line with the city’s global ambitions.”

Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, added:

“Our priority has always been to create an atmosphere where players feel at home and fans enjoy world-class entertainment. The upgraded facilities reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.”

The redevelopment ensures Dubai’s premier tennis event keeps pace with the city’s rapid growth—offering players a world-class stage and fans an experience worthy of the game’s biggest stars.

Serena Williams Says Weight Loss Drug Made Her Healthier Than During Tennis Career

23-time Grand Slam champion credits GLP-1 medication for lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, and reducing joint stress

By Aria Bendix
NBC News
Published: January 30, 2026 | 3 min read

NEW YORK — Serena Williams has achieved something remarkable: at 44, she says she’s healthier than she ever was during her record-breaking tennis career.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion revealed in an interview with NBC News that a GLP-1 weight loss medication has transformed her health metrics—lowering her cholesterol, steadying her blood sugar, and reducing stress on her injury-prone knees.

“Some of these numbers are from when I was literally winning Grand Slams. So it wasn’t like I was just playing tennis. I was dominating,” Williams said.

Her cholesterol drop is particularly striking. The average GLP-1 user sees only a 5% decrease in total cholesterol—Williams achieved six times that.

Why She Started

Williams announced in August 2025 that she had begun taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist—the class of drugs that includes Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Her decision was driven by multiple factors:

• Family history of diabetes, which disproportionately affects Black Americans

• Knee injuries that plagued her career and could be eased by weight loss

• Inability to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, even during her peak playing days

“Sometimes, no matter what you do, no matter how many steps you take, how many miles you run, you just can’t get over that hump. I know that for a fact. As a woman, as I age, I definitely couldn’t get over that hump.”

Williams’ announcement came as part of a campaign with Ro, a telehealth company that prescribes GLP-1 medications. Her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is an investor in Ro and serves on its board.

Williams made clear she views the medication as permanent.

“It’s a lifetime thing.”

Stopping GLP-1 drugs often leads to weight regain—an average of 10 pounds in the first year after discontinuation, according to studies.

Health Scare Averted

Beyond aesthetics, Williams emphasized the serious health implications.

“I was at risk for heart disease, and I didn’t even know that. That’s kind of scary, and that’s the No. 1 thing that kills Americans. So I could have been a statistic.”

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Black adults are 54% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than white adults, according to a 2023 study.

When asked on the TODAY show whether she plans to return to professional tennis, Williams kept the door slightly ajar:

“It’s not a yes or a no. I’ll see what happens.”

For now, she’s focused on a different kind of longevity—one measured not in Grand Slams, but in years.