Coco Gauff, Martina Navratilova & tennis world mourn former President Jimmy Carter's death with emotional messages

Coco Gauff, Martina Navratilova, and others from the tennis community have paid tribute to Jimmy Carter following his demise. Carter was the 39th President of the United States, who held office from 1977 to 1981.

Jimmy Carter lived longer than any US President in history, reaching the milestone of his 100th birthday in October. On December 29, the Carter Center released a statement disclosing that the former president had passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, while "surrounded by his family."

Coco Gauff shared a touching memory to honor Carter, recalling a chance encounter with the former President during a childhood road trip with her family.

"Very random but I met Mr. Carter when I was a kid. We were on a road trip and stopped in the middle of nowhere Georgia at a Mcdonald's to get some food. And randomly he was there using the urinal next to my dad lol 💀," Gauff posted on her Instagram story.

The World No. 3 recounted being surprised to see her father emerge from the bathroom with Jimmy Carter, not realizing that the armed guards in the McDonald's were Secret Service agents. Gauff reflected on how kind the former President had been to her family, describing it as an unforgettable experience.

"We kept seeing people suited up and armed but just assumed it was because we were in the middle of nowhere Georgia around Valdosta area and if you're from the south you know how they get down out there but turns out they were just secret service agents," Coco Gauff wrote.

"Eating our food with my mom and my dad walks out the bathroom with the former President like they were long time friends 🤣 He was extremely nice to us and a memory I will never forget. RIP ❤️," she added.

Coco Gauff's Instagram story

Martina Navratilova paid her respects by sharing an emotional tribute from American actress Lynda Carter and praising Carter's exceptional life and legacy.

"RIP Mr. President- a life amazingly lived…," Navratilova posted on X.

Billie Jean King hailed Jimmy Carter as a "champion of peace and democracy" and highlighted his remarkable accomplishments. King also emphasized how deeply the former President would be missed, with Boris Becker echoing her sentiments.

"A champion of peace and democracy, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has passed away. He was a former Naval officer, a Noble Peace Prize winner, and a true humanitarian. We will miss him. May he rest in peace," she wrote.

"Word BJK," Becker responded.

Martina Navratilova called former US President Jimmy Carter a "truly good man"

Martina Navratilova - Source: Getty

Earlier this year in May, Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason disclosed that the former US president was nearing the ending of his life as he received hospice care for a terminal illness.

Martina Navratilova, who had previously lavished praise on Carter by calling him "one of a kind in every good way," reaffirmed her admiration for the former President she reacted to the devastating news.

"A truly good man…," Navratilova posted on X.

Alongside Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert has also spoken very highly of Jimmy Carter, calling him a "stellar human being" for his remarkable philanthropic efforts.