Tennis icon Coco Gauff has never shied away from speaking her mind, even at the young age of 21. Ahead of the tennis season, the grand slam winner delivered an honest take on American fans at the United Cup press conference in Perth.

When it comes to fan support for U.S athletes in tennis, the American star admitted to an obvious lack. “I feel like we’re definitely, in tennis department, the worst when it comes to that.”

"I’ve always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see smaller countries support", she said during Team USA’s press conference.

Her candid answer came from observation and experience. Gauff was also a part of Team USA last year where she opened the final with a straight-sets victory over then world No. 2 Iga Swiatek from Poland.

International players, specially from countries that are less represented in tennis, like Poland always have a a sea of flags backing them up in the crowd. Gauff misses this kind of support for Team USA outside of the American Grand Slam (U.S Open).

One of the possible reasons, she admitted to is the amount of sports Americans cover. "But I also think it's just because of, our country is good at so many sports so it's hard. But I definitely think there are Americans that come out more in Melbourne than necessarily here (Perth) but I would like to see some more Americans if we make it to Sydney than there were last year”, the defending United Cup champion said.

Soon after the United Cup wraps up on the 11th of January, Gauff along with fellow Team USA player Taylor Frtiz will head to Melbourne for the Australian Open, the first grand slam of the year.

Coco Gauff's comments sparks buzz

She clarified her stance on social media before her singles match. "… 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. Nevertheless I am grateful for any support no matter how big or small it is.” she concluded.

Team USA enter the United Cup as top seeds in Group A. Alongside Spain and Argentina, the group promise intense competition in the mixed-team event, which offers AUD $17 million prize money and ATP and WTA ranking points.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu