Coco Gauff has sparked controversy after her latest comments on American fans, leading to criticism that her take comes from a place of privilege and that she is out of touch with reality.
Gauff is currently in Perth in action at the United Cup, where the USA is 1-0 in their group stage. Speaking to press during the event, the World No. 3 shared her belief that American fans were the ‘worst’ when it came to overseas support, stating that they trailed behind even smaller countries in that department as far as tennis was concerned.
The American felt that while her fellow countrymen and women were ready to travel to the Grand Slams abroad to support their nation, it did not extend to smaller tournaments in other cities.
“I feel like we’re definitely, in the tennis department, the worst when it comes to that. So I’ve always said, I hope, I wish our country and other places would show up throughout the world, as we see smaller countries support,” Coco Gauff said.
“I would like to see some more Americans if you make it to Sydney and Sydney than there were last year,” she added.
However, Coco Gauff’s comments have not gone over well with fans on social media. Many thought that her claim that Americans should travel more to support their country’s tennis stars was impossible for many, citing the economical limitations and extremely long travel time in question.
“Because everyone in the United States is barely surviving and it costs 5-10,000$ to go to a tournament,” one fan wrote.
“Traveling around the world & buying high-priced tickets is an expense most Americans can’t afford. These tennis players are oblivious to current events. Oh man,” another commented.
Here are a few more comments from fans along the same line:
“I can’t afford to travel to tennis tournaments here I definitely can’t afford to go to Australia,” one fan replied.
“Can someone please tell Coco that if she wants to pay my flight/hotel out to Australia I will gladly go watch her pipe the ball into the net 50 times,” another joked.
“Celebs are truly so out of touch lol. Because huh? Just lightly suggesting a trip that will cost thousands of dollars,” one commented.
Gauff won her opener at the United Cup against Solana Sierra, winning 6-1, 6-1. She also played mixed doubles with Christian Harrison, winning the clash to help her country beat Argentina. Up next, they will take on Spain for a spot in the knockouts.
Coco Gauff confident after sealing easy win in first match of 2026 season at United Cup
Speaking in her press conference at the United Cup after the win over Solana Sierra, a match that did not last even one hour on the clock, Coco Gauff appeared super confident about her start to the 2026 season. She said:
“I think there are things I can do better if I’m hyper-critical, but obviously it was a straightforward win. I think as the more the season goes, I feel like that stuff will settle in even more.”
Gauff also played at the United Cup last year, with Taylor Fritz leading the line for the American men. The USA is the defending champion at the event, having beaten Poland in the final last year.
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