Tennis sensation Coco Gauff had to move swiftly to clear the air after her comments on U.S. tennis fans sparked unrest.

Replying to the post that shared the video of her interview, she clarified her stance on X, just before her singles match for the United Cup in Perth.

The world no. 4 tweeted, "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 (excluding us open), where people come and don’t really cheer for their countryman player."

Gauff clarified that the comments she made were her perspective, not demands. She started her professional career in 2018, at the age of 14. Her breakthrough moment came in 2019 when the 15-year-old defeated veteran player Venus William in the first round of Wimbledon.

Since then, Gauff quickly climbed the ranks to play tournaments all across the globe, from grand slams to WTA tours. Having played on multiple surfaces, her comments on fan support and energy came from experience.

"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".

The 'worst' comment came from what she said in the Team USA press conference, “I feel like we’re definitely, in tennis department, the worst when it comes to that (fan support).”

Teammate Taylor Fritz weighs in

"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", he tweeted.

Gauff too compared her observation about fan energy from different countries, "those from smaller countries come with their colors and flags and it is clear on who they are supporting".

She ended by saying, "Nevertheless, I am grateful for any support no matter how big or small it is".

As Team USA continues its United Cup campaign, Gauff’s clarification underscores the divide between the American tennis fandom and her perspective.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu