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Coco Gauff Calls US Tennis Fans the "Worst" in One Key Way

Coco Gauff called out US tennis fans for their lack of support at tournaments.
Pat Benson|
Coco Gauff wants US tennis fans to show more support at tournaments.
Coco Gauff wants US tennis fans to show more support at tournaments. | IMAGO / AAP

American tennis star Coco Gauff has one of the most colorful personalities on the WTA Tour. The Gen-Z superstar is an open book about her strong faith and love for her country.

Gauff has spoken many times about her patriotism, which is evident in her numerous appearances representing the United States in international tournaments.

However, Gauff is not afraid of calling out her country when she feels it could do better. The 21-year-old gave a harsh assessment of American tennis fans' lackluster support for tournaments held outside the country.

Currently, Gauff is representing the United States at the 2026 United Cup in Perth, Australia. When asked about fan support, she could not bring herself to lie.

"I'll be honest, no (laughs). I feel like we're definitely, in the tennis department, the worst when it comes to that [support]. I've always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see maybe smaller countries support.

But I also think it's just because our country is good at so many sports, it's just hard. But, yeah, I definitely think there are more Americans that come out more in Melbourne than necessarily here [Perth]. But I would definitely like to see more Americans, if we make it to Sydney, in Sydney, than there were last year."

Gauff finished the 2025 WTA season as the World No. 3 with a singles record of 48-16 with two titles (the French Open and Wuhan Open). This year, she got off to a strong start with a straight-sets victory over Solana Sierra: 6-1, 6-1.

"I feel like I can play even better too, which is even more exciting," Gauff said in her on-court interview after the match. "It's always tough starting the first match of the season, especially against an opponent like her and someone who played yesterday. I'm really happy with how I managed all those emotions."

Like all of the other top players in the world, Gauff is having to gear up in a hurry for the 2026 Australian Open. The draw ceremony takes place on Thursday, January 15. The main draw begins on Sunday, January 18. Meanwhile, the action concludes for the women on Saturday, January 31, and the men on Sunday, February 1.

Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Serve On SI for all of your tennis news from the court and beyond.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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