Coco Gauff took to social media on Monday to clarify her recent remarks aimed at American tennis fans and their support of players abroad.
Last week, the two-time Grand Slam champion told reporters that she noticed fans from her country are less animated compared to those from other countries, particularly smaller nations. Gauff made her comments at the United Cup, a mixed team event for which America is bidding to win for the third time.
“I’ll be honest… 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, like maybe smaller countries support,’ she said.
“But I also think it’s just because our country is good in so many sports, so like it’s just hard, but 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 and Sydney than there were last year.”
The remarks sparked some backlash, but the tennis star argues that her words have been taken out of context. In a social media post, Gauff said she didn’t expect fans to travel around the world and understood the financial restrictions they face. However, she would like to see them be more passionate when attending events outside of the US Open.
“Those from smaller countries come with their colors and flags and it is clear on who they are supporting,” she said in her post. “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.”
As to why she made her remarks in the first place, Gauff said she was honestly answering a question put to her by a member of the media.
“I was asked and it was simply an observation I noticed about other countries vs mine that is all,” she explained. “Nevertheless I am grateful for any support no matter how big or small it is.”
On the court, Gauff suffered a surprise defeat to Spanish world No.42 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who produced a 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-0, win. Gauff, who hit 14 double faults, had won all six of her previous singles matches at the United Cup.
“I know Coco and she’s a fighter,” Bouzas Maneiro said after the match.
“She’s there all the time in the match, so I knew that I had to be there, and even if I’m 4-1 up, I have to be there.
“And that was my mentality in the third set. To be with power every point because even if you are 3-0 or 4-0, you have to be ready.”
Despite the defeat, American still managed to beat Spain 2-1 in the tie. Taylor Fritz ousted Jaume Munar 7-6(4), 3-7, 7-6(6), in a marathon encounter that lasted more than three hours. Then, in the mixed doubles, Gauff teamed up with Christian Harrison to beat Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers and Inigo Cervantes 7-6(5), 6-0.
