Taylor Fritz jumped to the defense of compatriot Coco Gauff, amidst her remarks about American tennis fans, ahead of their pivotal clash against Spain at the United Cup.
Gauff found herself in hot water after calling U.S. fans “the worst” at supporting American players overseas, a comment that sparked severe backlash on social media.
“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.”
Ahead of the clash with Spain, Gauff clarified her remarks, saying she was speaking from her perspective and did not intend to disrespect fans.
“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 (excluding U.S. Open) where people come and don’t really cheer for their countryman player. Whereas those from smaller countries come with their colors and flags, and it is clear on 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,” Gauff responded on X.
Fritz echoed Gauff’s sentiments, stating that she did not mean any disrespect. Like Gauff, he also expressed gratitude toward fans who travel internationally to support American players.
“People always wanna take things in the worst possible way. I was there sitting next to her, and I know EXACTLY what Coco meant and was trying to say, and she’s right. There is absolutely no disrespect meant to the US fans at all in this statement. If we were to play Czech or Poland here at United cup there will be a massive group of fans going crazy for them. We love the Americans that come out and support, some other countries abroad just have a really insane sports culture, but we appreciate every single American abroad that comes to watch,” Fritz hit back at fans online.
The United States were taken the distance by Spain, clinching their place in the last eight only after winning the decisive mixed doubles rubber.
Gauff suffered a shock defeat, losing in straight sets, including a bagel to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Fritz kept the Americans alive by rallying to beat Jaume Munar in three sets.
The tie was decided when Gauff and Christian Harrison overcame Y. Cavalle-Reimers and I. Cervantes in the mixed doubles to seal the victory.
“People Always Want To Assume The Absolute Worst” – Fritz Hits Back At Critics Following Win Against Spain
Taylor Fritz strongly defended Coco Gauff during the United States’ post-match press conference after their win over Spain, criticizing the backlash to her comments about American fans.
Fritz said the backlash online frustrated him, adding that Gauff’s remarks had been taken out of context and exaggerated.
“That pissed me off. I already replied. I was here, and I know exactly what she meant. She said nothing wrong, but people always want to just assume the absolute worst out of everything, which is just like…” Fritz said.
Gauff also addressed the controversy, admitting she did not expect her comments to escalate but downplayed the situation.
“No, and I don’t think it was piling on. I was just trying to clarify what I meant. Yeah, I mean — yeah, I wrote everything I have to say on the Tweet, but I didn’t expect it to be blown out of proportion. I feel like there’s worse things in the world,” Gauff said.
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