Gauff’s comments about US tennis fans spark controversy, need clarification – Tennis Now
Coco Gauff caused some controversy on social media with his pre-game comments comparing American fans to those in other countries. Things got so heated that the two-time Grand Slam champion felt she had to respond just hours before Monday’s Fed Cup match.
How did it start? Innocent enough. The reporter asked Goff the following questions:
When you came to Australia, to Perth, then to Sydney, and then to Melbourne, did you feel that the crowd was very good, and there were many fellow Americans or Americans who came out to support you?
Gauff replied: “Honestly, no. I feel like in tennis we are the absolute worst. So I always say I hope our country is represented around the world elsewhere because we might see support from smaller countries.
“But I also think it’s just because our country is so good at so many sports that it’s hard.”
After the video of her comments was posted, Gough decided to post a response to the criticism on X.
“I was just giving an honest answer to a question I was asked and it was just my observation of other countries and my country, nothing more. However, I appreciate any support, no matter how big or small,” she wrote.
Fans who travel a lot and watch tennis matches know what Gauff is talking about. She may not be the only player to make this observation. Kudos to Coco for her honesty, which is why we love her during press conferences, she never shies away from giving her honest opinion or even clarifying if she feels she’s been misunderstood.
“I thought her comments were pretty fair,” said Laura Robson, who was commentating on her match in Perth on Monday.
We agree.
