Coco Gauff’s new season once again started at the United Cup, where she led Team U.S.A. to a tournament victory last year while playing some of the best tennis of her career. The unique aspect of team events like the United Cup is not only the convergence of the ATP and WTA tours, but also the shift in identity–players compete for their nations rather than just themselves, and fans rally behind national colors instead of individual stars.
Across global sports, passionate national crowds have long been a defining feature. Tennis has seen similar energy as well, most recently in the electric atmospheres created by Brazilian fans during matches played by João Fonseca. Now, Gauff believes it is time for the United States to raise its level of support as well.
Coco Gauff Opens Up on American Support
Speaking about the backing American tennis players receive around the world, Gauff was candid in her assessment:
“I feel like we’re definitely, in tennis, the worst. I’ve always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see smaller countries support.”
Her comments quickly gained traction, prompting Gauff to clarify her stance in a social media post to ensure her message was not misunderstood.
“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 the US Open), where people come and don’t really cheer for their countrymen players…. Nevertheless, I am grateful for any support, no matter how big or small it is.”
Gauff’s plea resonates with a familiar reality: outside the United States, American players are often heavily outnumbered in the stands. For the defending French Open champion, it is an area she hopes will evolve as tennis continues to grow globally.
Rollercoaster Start to the New Season
On court, Gauff’s 2026 season has begun in roller coaster fashion, echoing much of her 2025 campaign. She opened her singles play in dominant style, cruising to a 6–1 6–1 victory over Solana Sierra in a must-win tie.
She followed that up with a crucial mixed doubles win that sealed the tie against team Argentina. However, just as momentum appeared to be building, Gauff stumbled in her next singles outing, suffering a three-set defeat to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro — a match that ended with a third-set bagel.
The world No.4 will now use the remainder of the United Cup to fine-tune her game, gain valuable match practice, and sharpen her form ahead of her Australian Open campaign, where she will be chasing her first title in Melbourne in just two weeks’ time.
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
