> At a Glance
> – Coco Gauff repeated that American crowds abroad are “the worst” at backing U.S. players
> – She posted a Jan. 4 X thread saying the remark was about already-attending fans, not travel demands
> – Taylor Fritz backed her, noting rival nations bring “flags and colors” in force
> > Why it matters: The world No. 3’s critique spotlights a cultural gap that can leave U.S. athletes feeling outnumbered at global events.
American flags are rare sights in the stands when U.S. tennis stars compete overseas, and Coco Gauff wants the conversation out in the open.
The Spark in Perth
During a Jan. 4 United Cup press conference in Sydney, the 21-year-old was blunt when asked if Americans support their players abroad. “I’ll be honest – no,” she said, adding that, in her view, the U.S. is “the worst” among tennis nations in that regard.
Gauff contrasted the scene with smaller countries whose fans “come with their colors and flags,” creating a visible backing she rarely feels outside the U.S. Open.
Clarifying the Controversy
Hours later she returned to X, stressing she was talking about spectators already inside overseas venues, not demanding costly travel.
Key points from her thread:
- Plenty of Americans attend non-U.S. tournaments; they just don’t rally behind countrymen
- Tennis accessibility issues are real, but her comment targeted “passion gap” among those present
- She remains grateful for “any support, big or small”
Support from the Sidelines
Taylor Fritz, seated beside her at the press table, echoed the sentiment on Jan. 5.
> “People always wanna take things in the worst possible way,” he wrote under her post. “I was there… she’s right.”
He predicted that if the U.S. faced Czechia or Poland at the United Cup, those fan sections would “go crazy,” while American supporters are fewer and quieter.
| Fan Culture | Typical Turnout | Visual Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller Nations | Large traveling groups | Flags, songs, colors |
| U.S. Fans Abroad | Scattered individuals | Little coordinated display |
Key Takeaways
- Gauff’s critique centers on atmosphere, not ticket sales
- She sees a cultural difference in how Americans express fandom abroad
- Fritz says the sentiment reflects players’ lived experience, not disrespect
- Both stressed appreciation for every U.S. supporter who shows up
The debate now heads into the heart of the season, with players hoping more red, white and blue pops up in the stands – and more noise follows.
