Coco Gauff shares 'very random' memory of meeting late Jimmy Carter in Georgia

This Presidential crossover wasn’t on our bingo card.

Long before Coco Gauff was lifting major trophies and scaling the WTA rankings, she had an unforgettable and “very random” meeting with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at a very unusual location.

“Very random but I met Mr. Carter when I was a kid,” Gauff wrote on X, after sharing a tweet from The Carter Center with the news of his death.

The 20-year-old was in Perth, Australia competing for Team USA at the 2025 United Cup alongside Taylor Fritz when she took to social media to share a hilarious tribute to the late president. Carter, the 39th president of the U.S., passed away on Sunday at the age of 100.

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“We were on a road trip and stopped in the middle of nowhere Georgia at a McDonald’s to get some food,” Gauff continued. “And randomly he was there using the urinal next to my dad lol.”

Gauff explained that the family had spotted “people suited up and armed” but, considering they were in “middle of nowhere Georgia” they chose not to ask any questions. Turns out, it was Carter’s Secret Service security detail—but the surprises just kept coming at this roadside McDonald’s.

“Eating our food with my mom and my dad walks out the bathroom with the former President like they were long time friends,” she said, adding a crying-with-laughter emoji.

“He was extremely nice to us and a memory I will never forget. RIP.”

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Years later Gauff—who was selected as the USA’s co-flag bearer at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris this summer—is still no stranger to rubbing elbows with former presidents.

Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama were in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium when Gauff lifted the 2023 US Open trophy. The 44th president tweeted afterward, “We couldn’t be prouder of you on and off the court—and we know the best is yet to come,” while Bill Clinton, the 42nd president wrote, “The future of American tennis looks bright.”

Gauff will be back in action at the United Cup on Tuesday, as Team USA faces Croatia in the final match of Group A for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, tennis great Billie Jean King called Carter “a champion of peace and democracy” as she posted a social media tribute of her own.

“He was a former Naval officer, a (Nobel) Peace Prize winner, and a true humanitarian,” she added. “We will miss him. May he rest in peace.”