Coco Gauff was laughing over backlash she received over comments she made about American tennis fans being the “worst” supporters on foreign soil.
During a Team USA press conference at the United Cup on Friday, the 21-year-old Gauff ruffled some feathers when she explained that she didn’t think there was a large contingent of Americans supporting them in Perth, where the even is being held.
Gauff, a two-time major winner, clarified her comments in a social media, explaining that she’s grateful for any support.
“lol I’m going to clarify because people are dragging this out of context,” Gauff wrote Sunday. “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 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.”
The No. 4-ranked Gauff shared the message before her 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0 loss to No. 42 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in their United Cup singles match Monday.
Gauff’s original comments came during Team USA’s press conference Friday, prior to the Group A portion.
“I’ll be honest, no,” Gauff said when asked if she feels there are a good amount of Americans supporting top-seeded Team USA in the United Cup.
“I feel like we’re definitely, in the tennis department, the worst at that. I’ve always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see smaller countries support.
“… But I would like to see some more Americans if we make it to Sydney (for the United Cup finals) in Sydney than there were last year.”
Gauff added that she understands “it’s hard” to support in person because the U.S. “is good in so many sports.”
Fellow American pro Taylor Fritz fiercely defended Gauff, explaining that her message was not disrespectful to American fans.
“People always wanna take things in the worst possible way,” he wrote Monday in a reply to her tweet. “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.”
Gauff and Christian Harrison defeated Spain’s Inigo Cervantes and Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers 7-6 (5), 6-0 in mixed-doubles to send the United States into the United Cup quarterfinals in Perth on Monday.
