Coco Gauff’s recent comments regarding the support of US fans have caused a stir in the tennis community.
Ahead of the United Cup, Gauff spoke to reporters about the level of support from US tennis fans at overseas tournaments.
When asked if she felt the American team would have strong support at the United Cup [in Sydney], Gauff said: “I’ll be honest, no.
“I feel like we’re definitely, in the tennis department, the worst when it comes to that. So I’ve always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see maybe smaller countries support.
“But I also think it’s just because of our country is good in so many sports, so it’s just hard. Yeah, I definitely think there are Americans that come out more in Melbourne than necessarily here, but I would like to see some more Americans, if we make it to Sydney, in Sydney than there were last year.”
It appears Gauff received some backlash following her original comments, as she issued an update on Monday morning to clarify her position.
Gauff’s comments have also been defended by Taylor Fritz, who was also present at the press conference on Sunday.
Taylor Fritz passionately defends Coco Gauff
In a social media post on X published on Monday morning, Gauff said: “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 US Open] where people come and don’t really cheer for their countrymen player.
“Whereas those from smaller countries come with their colours and flags and it is clear on who they are supporting. I was just speaking from my perspective.
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“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.”
Replying to Gauff’s post, Taylor Fritz vehemently defended her compatriot.
“People always wanna take things in the worst possible way,” Fritz began.
“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.”
The USA’s United Cup campaign so far
The USA, the defending United Cup champions, defeated Argentina in their opening contest of 2026 despite Taylor Fritz’s shock loss to Sebastien Baez.
Coco Gauff was the hero of the contest, winning her singles and mixed doubles matches.
The USA have since qualified for the knockout round following their 2-1 victory against Spain on Monday.
The US team appeared to be in trouble following Gauff’s loss to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. However, Fritz saved a match point before defeating Jaume Munar in a third set tiebreak to level the contest at 1-1.
Who will be the United Cup MVP? Anyone else? Let us know in the comments
Gauff partnered with Christian Harrison in their 7-6, 6-0 win over Inigo Cervantes and Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers in the tie-deciding rubber.
