In a sport where the psychological edge can be as vital as a powerful serve, Coco Gauff recently sparked a global conversation by shedding light on the lonely reality of being an American star abroad. During a candid press conference at the United Cup in Australia, the two-time Grand Slam champion clarified her recent viral comments, explaining why she feels American fans are often “the worst” at providing vocal support for their own athletes when they compete on foreign soil.
Gauff’s critique wasn’t born of malice, but rather a keen observation of a cultural quirk unique to American spectators. She pointed out that while fans from nations like Italy, Argentina, or Poland often form a “wall of sound” for their players regardless of the venue, American fans tend to prioritize the “story” of the match over national loyalty. According to Gauff, Americans have a deep-seated love for the underdog. When a high-ranked American player faces a lower-ranked international opponent, U.S. fans in the stands—often already attending the tournament for the love of the game—frequently end up rooting for the “Cinderella story,” effectively turning a neutral site into a hostile environment for their own countrywoman.
This “entertainment-first” mentality creates a stark contrast to the tribal, partisan atmosphere found in other regions. Gauff noted that when she plays at the US Open in New York, the crowd is a fierce, partisan weapon that fuels her comeback efforts. However, when she travels to Europe or Asia, that energy shifts. American tourists or expats often adopt a more “polite” or “objective” spectator persona, watching the match as if it were a theater performance rather than a competitive battle. She expressed a longing for the “ride-or-die” energy that defines other sporting cultures, where the athlete’s success is treated as a point of national pride rather than just a mid-afternoon diversion.
Facing some backlash for the comments, Gauff took to social media to add nuance to her perspective. She clarified that she doesn’t expect fans to spend thousands of dollars to follow her across the globe, acknowledging the significant financial barriers to international travel. Instead, her frustration lies with those who are already in the stadium but remain silent or cheer for the opposition. Backed by teammate Taylor Fritz, who agreed that American tennis culture lacks the “insane” nationalistic fervor seen in other countries, Gauff insisted her observation was simply about the atmosphere and a desire for more passion.
Ultimately, Gauff’s comments serve as a rallying cry for the American tennis community. By labeling the current level of support as “the worst,” she is challenging her fans to bring the rowdy, unapologetic spirit of Flushing Meadows across the Atlantic. For Gauff, the goal is simple: she wants to hear a “USA” chant not just when she is winning comfortably, but especially when her back is against the wall in a grueling third set in a foreign land.
Would you like me to look up the upcoming schedule for the Australian Open to see when Coco Gauff might next need that crowd support?
