During the press conference at the United Cup, American tennis star Coco Gauff spoke out about the negative behavior of US fans, leading to criticism. She compared her countrymen’s support with that of other nations’ tennis fanbases.
Gauff said the US fans are “worst” when it comes to support. Unlike other fans, US fans don’t travel overseas to cheer on Team USA.
“I feel like we’re definitely in the tennis department the worst when it comes to that,” the two-time Grand Slam champion said. “I’ve always said I wish our country — and other places — would show up throughout the world the way we see maybe smaller countries support.”
After she made these comments, she faced instant backlash from fans online. On Sunday, she set the record straight on what exactly she meant and how it was simply an observation she made.
“lol I ‘m going to clarify because people are dragging this out of context,” Gauff wrote on X. “I‘m not expecting people to travel to tournaments to watch us play. But there are many tournaments that we have in America and abroad where Americans are already attending, regardless of who is playing (excluding us open) where people come and don’t really cheer for their coutnrymen player. Whereas those from smaller countries come with their colors and flags, and it is clear who they are supporting.
“I was just speaking from my perspective. Trust me, I understand the financial aspect of things and know tennis is not accessible for everyone; it was more of a comment for those who are already attending, and how I wish they were as passionate as those from other countries, more specifically, team events. People don’t owe me anything. I was just honestly answering a question I was asked, and it was simply an observation I noticed about other countries vs mine, that is all. Nevertheless, I am grateful for any support no matter how big or small it is.”
lol I ‘m going to clarify because people are dragging this out of context. I ‘m not expecting people to travel to tournaments to watch us play. But there are many tournaments that we have in america and abroad where americans are already attending regardless of who is playing… https://t.co/AqutxKTZYy
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 5, 2026
Coco Gauff Reveals Reason Behind Lack of Support From US Fans in Tennis
Tennis is one of the most famous sports in the world, but when it comes to the US, sports like basketball, baseball and football are more popular there. There’s hardly any game in the NFL or NBA that isn’t a sell-out.
Gauff added that the lack of crowd support might also be because there are already numerous other sports where the US is doing well.
“But I also think it’s because our country is good in so many sports, so it’s just hard,” she added. “I do think there are more Americans that come out in Melbourne than necessarily here, but I would like to see some more Americans if you make it to Sydney — more than there were last year.”
Gauff also dismissed the notion that the lack of fan support has to do with their underdog status in the sport. She believes that’s not the case and affirmed that Team USA is the favorite to win the United Cup.
On Monday, Gauff’s Team USA will play against Spain to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
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