Controversy strikes the US Open again! In a high-octane and much-awaited clash between Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva, fans expected plenty of drama to unfold. As the two teenage prodigies mesmerized the courts with their excellence, a certain broadcasting issue stirred up some controversy. But what was the issue in question?
Not all fans were lucky enough to witness the encounter. A renowned sporting media channel decided to prioritize other courts over the American sensation’s exciting second round encounter. As a result, it led to social media outrage. Fans expressed their frustration on social media and ridiculed ESPN for their negligence.
Twitterati calls out ESPN for snubbing Coco Gauff
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Being one of the biggest media channels, fans expect ESPN to broadcast all the important matches of the day. The second highest ranked American’s match in an American Grand Slam is bound to be one of the most important games of the day, especially in America. It’s safe to say that ESPN let down the fans by snubbing one of the biggest names in America.
The fans took to Twitter and called out ESPN for disappointing them.
Every time Coco Gauff is playing ESPN be like well lets switch to a match nobody cares about on Court 4. #USOpen
— The Dre Era (@TheDreEra) August 30, 2023
They questioned ESPN for not showing the game they looked forward to.
Coco Gauff? Where is her match?
— Angela HUNTER (@AngelaH01988562) August 30, 2023
One fan minced no words in showing her contempt towards ESPN. It seems like she was really looking forward to the clash between the teenagers.
I HATE @espn tennis coverage!! I miss the US Open on @CBSSports.
Who besides their family and friends want to watch unseeded Collins/Mertens over Coco Gauff?? #USOpen @usopen
— Secola Edwards (@SecolaEdwards) August 30, 2023
Another fan went overboard and tagged Coco Gauff so the 19-year-old would know that she was snubbed by ESPN. While snubbing Gauff, the media channel also telecasted the entirety of Danielle Collins‘ match against Elise Mertens.
@CocoGauff Just a tweet to let you know @espn only covered your 1st set. They spent the entire time showing the Collin's match while yours was advertised as the featured one. They did switch back once or twice when they thought the 16 year old was going to break you. smh.
— RONALD MATHIS (@OLESKOL) August 30, 2023
Another fan questioned the US Open as to why Collins was prioritized over Gauff despite the latter’s World No. 6 ranking.
@usopen @ChrissieEvert why are we watching collins, who isn’t ranked and not @CocoGauff who’s ranked #6 ? 🤔
— CC (@CH1Jan59) August 30, 2023
“Us open so annoying like why are they playing the 32 seed over coco gauff rn“, said a fan while venting on social media.
ALSO READ: Coco Gauff’s Mid-Match Clash With Umpire at US Open Gains Ex-MVP Kevin Garnett’s Strong Approval
Us open so annoying like why are they playing the 32 seed over coco gauff rn
— Jane W. (@JANEWRIIGHT1) August 30, 2023
Mertens’ ranking was brought up and compared to Gauff’s, as ESPN’s prioritization meant no sense to fans.
It would have been nice to see Coco Gauff's 2nd round #USOpen2023 match, @espn Mertens is ranked 32 and Collins is unranked, but there they are, stopping us from seeing Gauff and Andreeva.
— stacy yelton (@stacyyelton) August 30, 2023
NBA icon Jimmy Butler was also interviewed during the match. A fan tagged ESPN and suggested that they cannot afford to miss out on it.
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They're interviewing Jimmy Butler during this Coco Gauff match. This is a TIME #USOpen
— Victoria (@AVocalistsRival) August 30, 2023
Well, the frustration of fans is pretty valid as Gauff has a large fan following in the country. Similarly, Venus Williams was snubbed by the Tennis Channel during the Cincinnati Open.
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Do you think that ESPN would snub Gauff again in the upcoming US Open rounds? Let us know in the comments.
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