PERTH, Australia – Coco Gauff, before her singles match at the United Cup on Monday, took to social media. Her intention was to contextualize her recent statements about American tennis fans. The subsequent match was not favorable for Gauff, ranked number 4 in the world. She suffered a defeat with a score of 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0 against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, ranked 42nd. This defeat gave Spain a 1-0 lead over the defending champion American team in Group A competition, prior to the men’s singles and mixed doubles matches. I’m going to clarify why people are taking this out of context. Gauff made these statements in reference to her previous comments at the tournament, where she compared the support for players from smaller countries with that received by American players in foreign territory. The tennis player clarified that she did not expect fans to travel to tournaments specifically to support their compatriots. Instead, she was referring to the visible and audible support at events, other than the US Open, that attract American tennis fans. In her post, Gauff stated: “Those from smaller countries come with their colors and flags, and it’s evident who they support. I was speaking from my perspective. I understand the financial aspect and I know that tennis is not accessible to everyone. It was more of a comment for those who already attend and how I wish they were as passionate as those from other countries.” The two-time winner of a major tournament, Gauff, 21 years old, explained that her initial comments were in response to a question at a press conference.
In a snippet of the press conference posted on X, Gauff stated: “I feel like we are definitely the worst in the tennis department when it comes to that.” He added that in previous team events, he had noticed that players from other countries received more energetic support from their fans than American tennis players, but he attributed this to the fact that American sports fans have many successful teams and athletes to support. Gauff mentioned that there is always good support for the Americans from the fans who travel to the Australian Open in Melbourne, “but I would like to see more Americans if we reach Sydney (United Cup finals) than there were last year.” After Monday’s match, Bouzas Maneiro acknowledged the support he received from the public in Perth.I was asked and it was simply an observation I made about other countries compared to mine, that’s all. However, I appreciate any support, no matter how big or small.
Coco Gauff
In her first United Cup match on Saturday, Gauff earned a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Solana Sierra, helping the American team start with a win over Argentina.Thank you for the atmosphere. It was incredible. I felt the support. I saw flags, Spain, Spanish flags there. Thank you very much.
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
