"It was simply an observation I noticed about other countries vs mine" - Coco Gauff defends comments about calling USA the 'worst crowd support'

Coco Gauff has been under scrutiny after comments made describing the American fanbase as the 'worst' at crowd support. This, as expected, was not taken well by everybody, with her having to take to social media to offer more context to what she was saying.

These quotes popped up in the press conference for the United Cup, with Gauff joining forces with Taylor Fritz again as they look to defend their title and take a third United Cup back to the States. The United Cup is always a popular event for players to compete in, giving them the chance to represent their country and spend time in a team environment, something of which many of them cherish. 

There is also a strong contingent of fans from nations all across the world flocking to either Sydney or Perth to witness the start to the new tennis campaign, as players shake off the rust and look to compete against the best players in the world once more. 

Of all these fans, the world number four picked out her own support. Gauff is very known for being outspoken, not afraid to share what is on her mind. She continued this pattern in the press conference ahead of their opening tie against Argentina in Group A. 

“I feel like we're definitely in the tennis department the worst when it comes to that,” Gauff stated. “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. But I also think it’s because our country is good in so many sports, so it’s just hard,” the 21-year-old added. “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.”

The two-time Grand Slam champion took to social media to share what she actually meant, clearing up any confusion from her press conference. 

"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. But there are many tournaments that we have in America and abroad where Americans are already attending regardless of who is playing (excluding us open) where people come and don’t really cheer for their countrymen player."

She went on to compare this to smaller countries around the world. "Whereas those from smaller countries come with their colours and flags and it is clear on who they are supporting. 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. 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."

Gauff will be hoping for as much support as she can get from her fellow Americans in the knockout stage of the United Cup. After defeating Solana Sierra while dropping just two games, her serving woes returned in a damaging three-set defeat to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Fortunately, she and Cristhian Harrison rescued the situation in the doubles tie to keep them on track for a third title in four years.