Coco Gauff is a two-time Grand Slam champion, a major face of Team USA, and one of the most recognizable athletes in tennis right now. She’s also not someone who lets a viral soundbite spiral without stepping in to clear the air.
On Monday, January 5, the 21-year-old took to X (formerly Twitter) to address backlash after comments she made about American tennis fans began circulating online — and, in her words, were taken “out of context.”
“[I’m] not expecting people to travel to tournaments to watch us play,” Gauff wrote, making it clear she wasn’t calling on fans to spend money or go out of their way to support her on tour.
Instead, she explained that her original remarks were about the energy in the stands at events where American fans are already present. Gauff pointed out that at many tournaments in the U.S. and abroad — excluding the U.S. Open — support for American players isn’t always as visible. “Whereas those from smaller countries come with their colors and flags and it is clear on who they are supporting,” she explained. “I was just speaking from my perspective.”
The reigning French Open champ also acknowledged the realities of the sport, noting that she understands tennis “is not accessible to everyone” and that finances play a role in who can attend tournaments. She emphasized that her comments were meant “for those who are already attending,” adding that she wished they were “as passionate as those from other countries,” particularly at team events — not as an expectation or demand.
“People don’t owe me anything,” she added. “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.”
The clarification followed a clip from last weekend’s United Cup in Australia, where Gauff said American tennis fans are “the worst” at showing support overseas.
Once that hit social media, reactions poured in. Some fans agreed with her take, especially when it comes to team competitions. Others pushed back, saying they root for players they enjoy watching, not necessarily based on nationality.
Fellow American tennis player Taylor Fritz also jumped in, backing up his teammate and pushing back on the way the clip was being interpreted.
“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,” the 28-year-old U.S. men’s tennis star said on X. “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.”
All of it unfolded as Gauff opened her 2026 season at the United Cup. According to ESPN, she later lost a three-set match to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in Perth.