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Taylor Fritz steps in to back Coco Gauff after backlash over her comments

Originally posted on HITC | By Max Kilham | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 4:21 PM ET

Coco Gauff’s recent comments about US fan support have sparked plenty of discussion in the tennis world.

Speaking before the start of the United Cup, the 21-year-old spoke with reporters about what she sees as a lack of American backing at overseas events

Asked if she expected much American presence at the Sydney event, Gauff said: “I’ll be honest, no.

“I feel like we’re definitely, in the tennis department, the worst when it comes to that. So I’ve always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see maybe smaller countries support.

“But I also think it’s just because of our country is good in so many sports, so it’s just hard. Yeah, I definitely think there are Americans that come out more in Melbourne than necessarily here, but I would like to see some more Americans, if we make it to Sydney, in Sydney than there were last year.”

The interview made its rounds on social media quickly after she spoke, and by Monday morning Gauff followed up with a statement explaining her thoughts further.

Taylor Fritz, who was also at the Sunday press conference, has come out in defence of Gauff’s comments.

Taylor Fritz stands up for Coco Gauff

Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images for Tennis Australia

In a post on X, Gauff tried to clarify what she meant by her earlier comments: “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 [excluding US Open] where people come and don’t really cheer for their countrymen player.

“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.”

Fritz replied directly to Gauff’s post, standing firmly in her corner:

“People always wanna take things in the worst possible way.I was there sitting next to her, and I know EXACTLY what Coco meant and was trying to say, and she’s right.

“There is absolutely no disrespect meant to the US fans at all in this statement. If we were to play Czech or Poland here at United Cup there will be a massive group of fans going crazy for them.

“We love the Americans that come out and support, some other countries abroad just have a really insane sports culture, but we appreciate every single American abroad that comes to watch,” he stated.

The USA’s United Cup campaign so far

Defending United Cup champions USA got their 2026 campaign off to a strong start with a win over Argentina, despite Fritz falling to Sebastien Baez in his singles match.

Gauff played a key role, securing victories in both her singles match and mixed doubles appearance.

The team then moved into the knockout stage after edging Spain 2-1 on Monday.

Though Gauff lost her singles match against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Fritz levelled the contest by saving match point before beating Jaume Munar in a third-set tiebreak.

Gauff then paired with Christian Harrison for a 7-6, 6-0 win over Inigo Cervantes and Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers in the deciding rubber.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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