Martina backs Gauff’s ‘social change’ power

Martina Navratilova insists rising tennis star Coco Gauff has the ability to “change the world for the better” after the American delivered a powerful speech at a Black Lives Matter demonstration last month.

Gauff shot to prominence at Wimbledon last year when she beat Venus Williams en route to the last 16 at the age of 15, before claiming her maiden WTA title in October.

Now 16, Gauff spoke at a peaceful protest in her home city of Delray Beach last month, and 18-time grand slam winner Navratilova was full of praise for her, saying her actions show that tennis is still “at the forefront of social change”.

Navratilova told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “She’s just so poised on and off the court. She was just really brought up with great qualities and it shows how she plays, it shows how she’s active now politically.

“I smile so much when I see the reach that she already has now and she will have in the future.

“She’s one of those people that can change the world for the better and she seems to want to do that.

“I think the way things are going now, with some countries making great progress and some countries, like ours here in America – in my opinion – going backwards in time, I think it’s essential that people get involved.

“Because I think they’re seeing how much politics can affect their lives and their freedoms.”

Meanwhile the French Open will admit spectators and operate at between 50 and 60% capacity

The FFT has outlined safety protocols at the tournament, which begins on September 21, including the wearing of masks for people walking around Roland Garros and gaps between seats on the courts. There will also be a change to the lay-out of the venue to ensure social distancing is respected.

The FFT says around 20,000 spectators will be able to attend during the early part of the fortnight, and around 10,000 for the latter stages. Protocols for players and staff are still being drafted.

The French Open was postponed from its traditional dates in late May and early June because of the coronavirus pandemic.