Coco Gauff has never been one to shy away from honesty. Whether it’s about her evolving game, the pressures of stardom, or the realities of life on Tour, the 21-year-old often speaks with a refreshing openness. But sometimes, candor can spark controversy - and during the United Cup in Perth, one such moment quickly snowballed into a headline-grabbing debate.

Now no longer the American no. 1, Gauff arrived in Australia carrying both expectations and perspective. As she prepared for the team event, she was asked a seemingly simple question: how do American tennis fans compare when it comes to supporting players overseas? Her answer, however, struck a nerve. “I feel like we’re definitely in the tennis department the worst when it comes to that,” Gauff said during her pre-tournament press conference. It was a blunt assessment, one she immediately tried to contextualize. “I’ve always said I wish our country — and other places — would show up throughout the world the way we see maybe smaller countries support,” she explained.

Coco Gauff also mentioned, “But I also think it’s because our country is good in so many sports, so it’s just hard. I do think there are more Americans that come out in Melbourne than necessarily here, but I would like to see some more Americans if you make it to Sydney — more than there were last year.” What followed was swift and intense. Social media lit up with criticism, with some interpreting her words as dismissive or ungrateful. For a player who has grown up under the microscope since her teenage years, the reaction was loud enough that she felt compelled to respond. “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,” she tweeted.

Gauff further added, “But there are many tournaments that we have in America and abroad where Americans are already attending, regardless of who is playing (excluding the US Open), where people come and don’t really cheer for their countrymen players. Whereas those from smaller countries come with their colors and flags, and it is clear who they are supporting.” For Gauff, the difference is especially noticeable during team events, where national identity becomes part of the spectacle. 

“I was just speaking from my perspective. Trust me, I understand the financial aspect of things and know tennis is not accessible for everyone; 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, more specifically, team events,” said Coco Gauff in her tweet.

In closing, Gauff struck a tone of gratitude rather than grievance. “People don’t owe me anything. 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.”

In many ways, the episode reflects Coco Gauff’s growing maturity - not just as a Grand Slam champion, but as a global figure navigating fame, scrutiny, and interpretation. Her words may have sparked debate, but her clarification revealed something deeper: a young star who values passion, understands perspective, and remains thankful for every cheer, whenever it comes. Amid all these, there is a slight concern with Gauff ahead of her Australian Open campaign.

Coco Gauff faces a shocking defeat at the United Cup

The 2026 season began in Perth with promise for Coco Gauff. Under the Australian sun, the world number 4 looked every bit the star she has grown into - sharp, confident, and commanding. But despite her impressive start against Solana Sierra, we saw her struggle in the next match against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Familiar cracks began to surface.

Bouzas stunned Gauff 6-1, 6(3)-7, 6-0 in a rollercoaster match that exposed long-standing vulnerabilities. Gauff was broken nine times in 13 service games. She committed 14 double faults - five in the opening set, six in the second, and three in the decider and won just 19% of her second-serve points. In the first set alone, she lost all nine second-serve points she played.

While the defeat stung on its own, it also confirmed a changing of the guard; Gauff’s reign as the top-ranked American officially came to an end. Amanda Anisimova moved ahead, dethroning Gauff as the American number one. Still, the manner of the loss made the moment heavier.

“Obviously, it wasn't a great match for me. I tried my best to fight back with what I had in that moment. Once it was over, I kind of just sat in the bathroom for a little bit -- I had a lot of confidence in Taylor -- so I was just trying to make sure that I was ready for mixed. I think that's the beauty of this event that you have other people could pick you up on your off days,” she said after getting back to winning ways on the mixed-doubles court.

But interestingly, despite the alarming numbers, not everyone believes Coco Gauff’s performance is a cause for long-term concern. Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rick Macci tweeted, “Coco and her serve is better. Technically, it is better. What happened at the United Cup was all mental. She is on track.”

In tennis, rankings shift, serves falter, and matches slip away. What defines champions is what comes next. And for Coco Gauff, the story of 2026 is only just beginning.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

Know more