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Coco Gauff has never been shy about speaking her mind, and at this year’s US Open, she found herself addressing one of the most talked-about topics in tennis: the noisy, sometimes rowdy atmosphere on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Known for its electric energy, Ashe often feels more like a rock concert than a traditional tennis venue—and while some players love it, others find it distracting. So where does Gauff stand?
The 20-year-old American, who has grown up playing under the bright lights of New York, gave a candid take: she doesn’t mind the noise as long as it doesn’t cross into outright disruption. “That’s the charm of Ashe,” she explained, pointing out that the US Open isn’t Wimbledon, and the expectation of pin-drop silence during every rally just doesn’t fit the New York vibe. For her, the chatter, cheers, and occasional gasps are part of what makes the tournament special.
That being said, Gauff also acknowledged the fine line between atmosphere and annoyance. A random shout mid-serve toss? Not cool. But the constant buzz of fans living and breathing every point? That, she says, actually fuels her game. “It’s energy. I’d rather have the crowd engaged than sitting quietly,” she admitted with a smile.
Her comments echo the ongoing debate in tennis circles: should the sport loosen its etiquette rules to allow a more modern, interactive fan experience, or preserve the traditional hush? Gauff, clearly, is leaning toward the former. And if anyone knows how to thrive in chaos, it’s the reigning US Open champion who has learned to channel noise into focus.
Love it or hate it, the Ashe crowd isn’t changing anytime soon. But with Coco Gauff embracing it as part of her home-court advantage, fans can be sure of one thing: in New York, silence is overrated, and energy wins matches.
John Owolabi
Musa
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