Amid her stellar Asian Swing performances, Coco Gauff is reaching across the globe with heartfelt support for those in Florida bracing for Hurricane Milton. While celebrating her third-round victory over Marta Kostyuk at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, the young tennis star took time to share her concerns in a press conference: “I live in South Florida, so it’s not hitting too hard there… I’m thinking a lot about those in central and the west coast of Florida. I know it’s supposed to be hit hard, especially in the Tampa area.”
As someone who grew up in Delray Beach, Gauff knows the strength and resilience of Floridians, who have faced hurricanes for generations. “I know Floridians are very stubborn people, so I know there are some that are staying. I just pray there are no lives lost,” she said. To help, Gauff has posted information on her social media, sharing locations for shelters, including options for pets and people with special needs. On Twitter, she sent a heartfelt plea: “Please Stay Safe Florida,” along with a praying emoji.
Joining Gauff’s call for caution is tennis legend Chris Evert, a Fort Lauderdale resident, who has amplified the urgency by sharing evacuation messages from Tampa’s mayor. “Please take this warning seriously!” Evert tweeted, stressing the life-threatening nature of the storm.
As Gauff prepares for her next match against Magda Linette, her thoughts remain close to home. Her actions remind us of the incredible role athletes can play, using their platforms to offer comfort and critical information. Gauff’s message is clear: “At the end of the day, it’s property and can be replaced.” For her and Evert, community always comes first, and their call for safety has become a rallying cry for Floridians facing the storm.
