MusaCoco Gauff has never been one to shy away from playful banter, and her latest comment about American men’s tennis has fans both laughing and nodding in agreement. Speaking after her recent match at the Cincinnati Open, the 20-year-old star took a lighthearted jab at her male counterparts when asked about the dominance of U.S. women in recent years compared to the men’s side.
“Honestly, it’s not much of a competition,” Gauff said with a smile, drawing chuckles from the room. “We’ve been carrying the Grand Slam count for the country lately. No offense, guys.”
Gauff’s remark refers to the fact that American women — from Serena and Venus Williams to Sloane Stephens and now herself — have consistently been in the Grand Slam spotlight over the past two decades. Meanwhile, the last American man to win a major was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open, more than 20 years ago.
While clearly meant as a joke, her statement underscores a well-known truth: U.S. women’s tennis is enjoying a golden era, with multiple players regularly breaking into the late rounds of major tournaments. Gauff herself is a central figure in that resurgence, having captured the 2023 US Open title and staying firmly in the top 5 of the WTA rankings.
American men’s tennis, on the other hand, has produced a wave of talented players such as Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton — but none have yet converted that promise into a major championship.
Gauff, however, made sure to keep the mood light. “I love all those guys — I train with some of them — but yeah, we’re definitely ahead right now. Hopefully they’ll catch up,” she quipped.
With the US Open just around the corner, both the men’s and women’s sides will be looking to make a statement on home soil. For Gauff, though, the message is already clear: when it comes to delivering the big titles, American women still set the pace.
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