In the world of elite sports, fame comes with both adoration and unsettling dangers. Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion and one of the most marketable athletes on the planet, has revealed that she, too, has been a victim of stalking at airports, a terrifying reality shared by many female athletes.
The 20-year-old World No. 3 responded to a disturbing account from Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas, who shared her own experiences of being stalked at airports by individuals who inexplicably had access to her flight details—even when she didn’t.
Gabby Thomas’ Chilling Confession Sparks Gauff’s Admission
Thomas, a multiple-time Olympic medalist in track and field, posted a TikTok video detailing how unknown individuals have been tracking her movements at airports across the country.
“It doesn’t matter what city. They’ve come when I was traveling to and from Chicago, they’ve come when I’m traveling to and from Miami. And they have my flight information,” Thomas said.
“What scares me is that they have my flight information even when I don’t even know what time I’m flying out sometimes — I don’t tell anyone my flight information.”
Gauff shocked fans when she responded in the comments, revealing she has also experienced the same stalking ordeal throughout her career.
Gauff’s reply: “This happens to me too, I don’t know how it happens. My theory is maybe someone at the airport tips them off.”
This chilling admission raised alarm bells in the sports world, shedding light on the lack of privacy and security even for top-tier athletes.
A Growing Issue for Female Athletes
Sadly, stalking and harassment have been persistent issues in professional sports, particularly for female athletes who often face heightened scrutiny and online abuse.
Gauff, despite being one of the most beloved and highest-paid female athletes in the world, has not been immune to such behavior. The 2024 WTA Finals champion has previously spoken out about social media trolls who target her with hateful comments, but the real-life safety concerns at airports add another terrifying dimension.
For public figures like Gauff and Thomas, the idea of someone having their flight information—possibly leaked by airport insiders—is a deeply troubling prospect.
Can Anything Be Done to Protect Athletes?
With Gauff now echoing Thomas’ experiences, the question arises: How can airports and sports organizations improve security for athletes?
🚨 Stronger Privacy Protections: Airlines and airports should review their internal policies to ensure that flight details of high-profile individuals aren’t leaked or accessed by unauthorized personnel.
🚨 Increased Security Measures: Athletes may need enhanced security escorts when traveling, similar to the protocols used for political figures and celebrities.
🚨 Legal Action Against Stalkers: The issue of stalking is not just a nuisance—it’s a serious criminal offense. More stringent measures, including harsh penalties for those caught stalking athletes, could be implemented.
🚨 Athlete-Led Advocacy: With two world-class athletes speaking out, this could serve as a wake-up call for sports governing bodies to take proactive steps in addressing this issue.
Gauff Focused on the Future, Despite Setbacks
Despite these off-court concerns, Gauff remains laser-focused on her career.
✅ She won the 2024 China Open
✅ She led Team USA to victory at the 2025 United Cup
✅ She captured the WTA Finals title in late 2024
Although she suffered a setback at the Australian Open, losing in the quarterfinals to Paula Badosa, Gauff remains one of the top contenders on tour.
Her next tournament? The 2025 Qatar Open in Doha (February 9th)—where she will battle top rivals like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
Gauff’s Stalking Revelation – A Scary Reality for Female Athletes
While Coco Gauff continues to break records and inspire millions, her recent comments highlight an ongoing safety crisis for public figures in sports.
💬 Should airlines and airports be held accountable for leaks of private information?
💬 What can be done to protect athletes from stalking and harassment?
💬 Is this just the beginning of a much larger conversation in sports security?
🔥 Join the debate below! 🔥