“We’re the worst at crowd support”: Coco Gauff honest about USA fan support

Coco Gauff was the hero for Team USA in their United Cup debut against Argentina, claiming victory in singles over Solana Sierra before teaming up with Christian Harrison to defeat the South American duo of María Lourdes Carlé and Guido Andreozzi in the decisive doubles match.

Despite being the defending champions and one of the leading favourites for the title, the Americans were made to work hard in their opening tie against the Argentines. During the post-match press conference, Gauff was asked whether she felt strong support from the crowd, with the world No. 3 admitting that Team USA often lacks the backing seen by other nations in international competitions.

“I feel like we're definitely in the tennis department the worst when it comes to that,” the two-time Grand Slam champion said during her press conference. “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.”

Gauff was also asked whether the lack of strong crowd support makes Team USA feel like underdogs at the tournament. However, she quickly dismissed that idea, reminding reporters that the Americans are the top seeds and one of the main favourites to lift the title — a trophy they have already claimed twice in the tournament’s three previous editions (2023 and 2025).

“We’re the number one seed, so there’s no underdog from that standpoint,” she clarified. “We played Poland last year and the stadium was still pretty rowdy. Even if they’re not Americans, I think we get a lot of support from fans who just like us, even if they’re not from the US. But yeah, I would like to see a little bit more red, white and blue in the stands at these team competitions.”

The world No. 3 was also asked whether she keeps an eye on potential rivals’ matches — including players who are not competing in the same event, such as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is playing this week at the Brisbane International. Gauff admitted that she closely follows the tennis circuit, not only as a competitor but also as a genuine fan of the sport.

“For me personally, I just look at the next match. You have to win the match before you get there, and then you worry about that later,” Gauff said. “Tennis is one of those sports where one week can change your season. A player can be playing one way one week and unbelievable the next. I always watch tennis — I love watching tennis — but from a fan standpoint, not necessarily always scouting.”

Team USA will return to the court on Monday, 5 January, aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals. They will face Spain, potentially without Taylor Fritz, who is dealing with tendonitis after his opening match against Sebastián Báez. Should Fritz be sidelined, Mackenzie McDonald is expected to step in and face Jaume Munar. If the American manages to secure the win, Gauff would have the chance to seal USA’s qualification when she takes on Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.