Tennis star Coco Gauff commented on the backlash to her statement that American tennis fans were the “worst” when it comes to showing support for American tennis players in other countries.
During a Team USA press conference at the United Cup on Friday, Coco, 21, sparked backlash when she said American tennis fans didn’t show up to support her at the tournament in Perth, Australia.
“I feel like we’re definitely, in tennis, the worst. I’ve always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see smaller countries support.”
Coco said it’s common to see fans from other countries supporting their tennis stars at international tennis tournaments. But she noted Americans rarely travel out of the country to support her and other Americans playing tennis on foreign soil.
The response was swift and angry. Tennis fans called her “spoiled” and “out of touch.” They reminded her that Americans are in a recession and they don’t have the money to pack up and travel to foreign countries to watch tennis tournaments.
Coco calls out US tennis fans as being ‘the worst’ at supporting US players overseas
“I feel like we’re definitely, in tennis, the worst. I’ve always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see smaller countries support”
?: ? Australia pic.twitter.com/PfrQyTGa2N
— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) January 4, 2026
Coco clarified her comment in a post on X (Twitter) this week.
“lol 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,” she wrote.
She continued:
“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.”
Her explanation didn’t smooth ruffled feathers.
One person wrote: “Can someone please tell Coco that if she wants to pay my flight/hotel out to Australia I will gladly go watch her pipe the ball into the net 50 times.”
But another X user explained: “she’s talking about Americans that LIVE in these countries where she has tournaments. And people who have the means to travel the world (a lot of tennis fans have MONEY). She’s not talking about regular 9to5 ppl who live in Alabama and Virginia lol.”
she’s talking about Americans that LIVE in these countries where she has tournaments. And people who have the means to travel the world (a lot of tennis fans have MONEY).
She’s not talking about regular 9to5 ppl who live in Alabama and Virginia lol
— dante (@allthingsdante) January 4, 2026
