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… https://t.co/AqutxKTZYy
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 5, 2026
On Monday, January 5, the 21-year-old addressed the reaction on X, saying her comments about U.S. Tennis supporters being “the worst” overseas were taken out of context. The original remarks came during media availability at the United Cup in Australia, where Gauff was asked about crowd support for Team USA during the early stages of the tournament.
“I’m going to clarify because people are dragging this out of context,” she wrote. “I’m not expecting people to travel to tournaments to watch us play.”
Gauff explained that her comments were not a criticism of fans who choose not to attend international events, nor a call for Americans to spend money following players around the world. Instead, she said she was referring to the atmosphere at tournaments where American fans are already in attendance.
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“There are many tournaments that we have in America and abroad where Americans are already attending regardless of who is playing,” she wrote. “Whereas those from smaller countries come with their colors and flags and it is clear on who they are supporting.”
Gauff added that she was speaking strictly from personal observation, particularly in team settings like the United Cup, where national support is more visible. She also acknowledged that tennis is not equally accessible to everyone and that finances play a role in who can attend events.
“People don’t owe me anything,” she wrote. “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.”
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According to Complex, the clarification came after a video circulated online in which Gauff said American tennis fans are “the worst” at showing support overseas, a comment that quickly drew mixed reactions. Some fans agreed with her assessment, especially when comparing U.S. Crowds to those backing smaller nations.