Coco Gauff has found herself embroiled in controversy after describing American tennis supporters as the "worst" when it comes to backing their players at international competitions.
The two-time Grand Slam champion made the remarks ahead of the United Cup in Perth, where she is representing the defending champions.
"I'll be honest, no. I feel like we're definitely, in the tennis department, the worst when it comes to that," the world number three stated.
She expressed a wish that her compatriots would demonstrate the same enthusiasm abroad as fans from smaller nations routinely display.
Coco Gauff has clarified her comments on social media
|PA
The comments provoked considerable criticism online.
Gauff swiftly took to X to address the furore, insisting her words had been misconstrued.
"lol 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."
The French Open champion explained she was referring specifically to Americans who are already present at events, rather than demanding supporters follow players across the globe.
She noted that fans from smaller countries typically arrive with flags and national colours, making their allegiances unmistakable.
Coco Gauff came under fire after calling American tennis fans 'the worst'
| REUTERS"People don't owe me anything. I was just honestly answering a question I was asked," Gauff added, expressing gratitude for all support received.
The social media clarification came just moments before Gauff took to the court against Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and the timing proved unfortunate.
The world number three endured a torrid afternoon, dropping the opening five games and committing a remarkable 14 double faults throughout the contest.
Bouzas Maneiro, ranked 42nd in the world, capitalised ruthlessly on Gauff's serving woes.
The Spaniard claimed victory 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0, handing the American a thoroughly unexpected defeat.
The loss handed Spain a 1-0 advantage over the defending champions in their Group A encounter.
Team USA's fortunes swiftly improved, however, as Taylor Fritz stepped up to rescue the tie.
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
The American number one saved a match point en route to securing victory in the men's singles, levelling the contest at one apiece.
Gauff then returned to court alongside Christian Harrison for the decisive mixed doubles rubber.
The pair proved too strong for their Spanish opponents, clinching the match and securing the overall victory for the defending champions.
Despite her earlier struggles, Gauff's contribution in the doubles ensured the Americans emerged triumphant from what had threatened to become a damaging setback in their title defence.