Coco Gauff is making waves on the tennis court at the 2025 United Cup in Sydney, but she took a moment to honor a significant figure back home. As she teamed up with Taylor Fritz representing the United States, Gauff paid tribute to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away recently at the age of 100.
Tribute to Carter
Gauff‘s emotional tribute to Carter was shared via an Instagram story, where she recounted a memorable encounter with the former president from her childhood.
“Very random but I met Mr. Carter when I was a kid,” Gauff shared. “We were on a road trip and stopped in the middle of nowhere in Georgia at a McDonald’s to get some food. And randomly he was using the urinal next to my dad lol.”
She recalled the surreal moment of realizing that Carter was surrounded by Secret Service agents, and how he had appeared unassuming and humble in such an unexpected setting.
“We kept seeing people suited up and armed but just assumed it was because we were in the middle of nowhere Georgia around Valdosta,” she continued. “But turns out they were just secret service agents. Eating our food with my mom, my dad walks out of the bathroom with the former President like they were long-time friends. He was extremely nice to us and a memory I will never forget. RIP.”
Through her words, Gauff highlighted Carter‘s down-to-earth nature and the warmth he extended to those around him.
The loss of Jimmy Carter has touched many, including Gauff, who is currently competing in the United Cup but remains connected to events back home.
While Gauff‘s tennis career is on a promising trajectory, with a successful start to 2025 alongside Fritz, she was not the only tennis star to pay tribute to Carter‘s extraordinary life and legacy.