Coco Gauff Addresses Backlash to Her Criticism of American Tennis Fans

Coco Jouf She shares her side of the story after receiving backlash for her criticism of American tennis fans.

“I’ll clarify because people are taking this out of context. I don’t expect people to travel to tournaments to watch us play. But there are so many tournaments we have in America and abroad where Americans actually attend no matter who’s playing (except for the US Open) that people come and don’t really cheer for their compatriots.” [sic] “Player,” Gauff, 21, wrote via X on Sunday, January 4 while resharing a clip of herself from a United Cup press conference.

She continued: “Whereas those coming from smaller countries come with their own colors and flags and it is clear who they are supporting. I was just speaking from my point of view. Trust me, I understand the financial side of things and I know that tennis is not affordable for everyone. It was just a comment to those who are already attending and how I hope they are as enthusiastic as those coming from other countries, more specifically in the team events.”

“People are not in debt,” Gove noted [her] “Anything,” explaining that she was “honestly answering a question” that was asked to her. She indicated that her opinion was “just an observation.” [she] She remarked about other countries’ versus her own.

“However, I am grateful for any support, no matter how big or small,” she concluded.

In the 36-second video, which Gauff reshared via X, she said of American tennis fans at events overseas: “I feel like we’re definitely, in tennis, the worst when it comes to that.”

“I’ve always said I hope our country shows up in other places around the world as we see, perhaps, the smaller countries. But I also think it’s because our country is good at so many sports, so it’s difficult. But yes, I definitely think there are more Americans coming to Melbourne than necessary here. But I would like to see more Americans – if we get to Sydney – in Sydney than there were last year,” she said, referring to the United Cup Finals.

In the comments section of the clip, users commented on her statements.

“Coco, if most people had money they would definitely travel,” one user wrote, while another explained, “She’s talking about the Americans who live in these tournament countries. And the people who have the means to travel the world (a lot of tennis fans have money). She’s not talking about the regular people who live in Alabama and Virginia.”

After Gauff clarified her statements, the American tennis player Taylor Fritz She shared a message of support in the comments section of her X post.

“People always want to take things in the worst possible way,” Fritz, 28, wrote on Monday, January 5. “I was sitting there next to her, and I know exactly what Coco meant and what she was trying to say, and she is right. There is absolutely no disrespect to the American fans whatsoever in this statement.”

He continued: “If we were to play the Czechs or Poland here in the United Cup, there would be a huge group of fans who are obsessed with them. We love the Americans who come and support us, and some other countries abroad have a really crazy sports culture, but we appreciate every American abroad who comes to watch.”

Gauff started her singles match in the United Cup on Monday, losing the first five matches and suffering a 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0 loss to Gauff. Jessica Pozas ManeroPer ESPN.