The ensuing match did not go well for fourth-ranked Gauff, who lost the first five matches and struggled in a 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0 loss to No. 42 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
It gave Spain a 1-0 lead over defending champions the US team in the Group A match, ahead of the men’s singles and mixed doubles.
“I’m going to clarify because people are taking this out of context,” Gauff said in the pre-match post, referencing the “worst” comments she made earlier in the tournament, comparing the support for players from smaller countries to the kind of support American players receive on foreign soil.
“Those from smaller countries come with their colors and flags and it is clear who they support,” Gauff said in her message. “I was just speaking from my perspective. Believe me, I understand the financial aspect of things and know that tennis is not for everyone. It was more of a comment to those already there and I wish they were as passionate as those from other countries.”
The 21-year-old Gauff, a two-time major winner, said her first comments were in response to a question at a news conference.
“I was asked and it was just an observation that struck me about other countries versus my own, that’s all,” she said. “Still, I am grateful for any support, no matter how big or small.”
In a clip of the press conference on
She added that in previous team events she had noticed that players from other countries received more animated support from their fans than the American tennis players, but attributed that to the fact that American sports fans had so many successful teams and athletes to support.
Gauff said there was always good support for the Americans from fans traveling to the Australian Open in Melbourne, “but I would like to see a few more Americans if we make it to Sydney (United Cup final) in Sydney than last year.”
After Monday’s match, Bouzas Maneiro acknowledged the crowd support she received in Perth.
“Thank you for the atmosphere. It was great,” she said in a TV interview on the field. “I just felt the support. I saw flags, Spain, Spanish flags there. Thank you very much.”
In her first match of the United Cup on Saturday, Gauff recorded a 6-1, 6-1 win over Solana Sierra, allowing the US team to open with a victory over Argentina.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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