🚨🎾 OFFICIAL: Coco Gauff and Gaël Monfils have officially formed a powerful association to protect the voices and rights of Black athletes in tennis, promising to create a wave of historic change, fighting for justice, equal opportunity, and promoting Black talent globally! Coco Gauff emotionally shared: “We will not be silent anymore
In a groundbreaking moment for the world of tennis, two of its most beloved and dynamic stars — Coco Gauff and Gaël Monfils — have joined forces to launch the “Black Tennis Alliance” (BTA), an organization dedicated to empowering, protecting, and amplifying the voices of Black players worldwide. The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Paris, where both athletes delivered emotional speeches that resonated far beyond the boundaries of the sport.
The formation of the BTA marks a new chapter in tennis history — one that places equality, visibility, and justice at its core. The organization’s mission is clear: to ensure that Black athletes receive equal opportunities in funding, representation, and media coverage, and to create mentorship programs that inspire young players of color to dream big and believe in their potential.
Coco Gauff, 21, spoke passionately about her personal journey and the barriers she faced coming up through the tennis system. “For too long, we’ve been told to be grateful for just being here,” she said. “But gratitude should never mean silence. We are here to compete, to succeed, and to lead — just like anyone else.” Her words brought the audience to its feet, a moment that encapsulated her growing influence as not just a tennis champion, but a global voice for change.
Monfils, the charismatic French veteran known for his artistry and resilience on court, echoed her sentiments, adding that the alliance aims to build bridges between generations. “We have the power, the platform, and now the unity to make a difference,” he said. “This is about giving back to the game that gave us everything, but also making sure it becomes a home for everyone who dreams of picking up a racket.”
The BTA has already gained the backing of several influential figures within the tennis community, including Serena Williams, Frances Tiafoe, and Naomi Osaka, who expressed their support on social media. Sponsors such as Nike and Wilson are reportedly in discussions to fund youth programs under the new initiative.
The timing of this movement could not be more significant. In recent years, the conversation around diversity in tennis has intensified, as players and fans alike have demanded more inclusivity both on and off the court. The BTA’s creation is seen as a turning point — not just for the sport, but for the broader cultural dialogue on equality in athletics.
Gauff and Monfils emphasized that the initiative goes beyond symbolic gestures. Their immediate plans include establishing scholarships for young Black athletes, organizing international training camps, and advocating for more representation within tennis federations. “This is not charity,” Gauff clarified firmly. “This is justice, and it’s long overdue.”
As the press conference concluded, the atmosphere was charged with emotion and hope. Both athletes stood side by side, holding hands, as Gauff’s closing words echoed through the hall: “We will not be silent anymore.”
It was a declaration that felt larger than tennis — a call for fairness, unity, and courage that will likely inspire generations to come. The Black Tennis Alliance is not just an organization; it’s a movement — and with Gauff and Monfils leading the way, the future of the sport may never be the same again.
