“The worst is when you get apologized to afterward,” Coco Gauff declared about her 2024 Olympics dispute. The World No. 3’s clash with the chair umpire about a controversial ‘call’ stirred up the entire tennis world just a few weeks ago. Now as the dust settles and she copes with an early exit from Paris, followed by the same in Canada and Cincinnati, another unfortunate incident in the US Open comes up regarding the opening night! But this time, it seems that her fans are not going to let it go!

Coco Gauff’s commendable performance at the U.S. Open last year is no secret to anyone. The now seven-singles titlist grabbed her very first Grand Slam in New York after a massive victory over the then World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka! By then, she had already earned her first WTA 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open. And this double dose of victory came as a relief to the American fans as well. It seemed like they had found their new favorite player after Serena Williams in 1999! Furthermore, it pushed her to the World No. 3 rank for the first time.

Fast forward to 2024, Gauff’s stuttering form (owing to her early exits in the past four tournaments) has put doubts over her potential. Adding salt to her wounds, the US Open organizers decided to have Sloane Stephens and Novak Djokovic on the “headline opening night in New York.”

This has ignited a sense of dissatisfaction among Gauff’s fans, who expected the 20-year-old defending champion to be the one doing the honors in the place of Stephens. Referring to this, fans have shared their frustration and concerns!

Coco Gauff’s fans protest against the US Open organizers

One fan writes, “It is very surprising that the defending champion Coco is not playing on the opening night!” echoing the sentiments of thousands of fans. The reigning US Open champion would take on Varvara Gracheva in Arthur Ashe Stadium before Stephens concentrates on winning against Clara Burel in the first round. However, this arrangement is not sitting right with fans, who cannot fathom why the 30-year-old player would replace Gauff in the night matches, which are generally more popular than the ones during the day.

“Sloane Stephens? This isn’t 2018. There should be no reason why it isn’t Gauff playing during the night sessions,” wrote another fan. For context. In 2017, the WTA player, Stephens, had her best results in the US Open as she clinched her maiden and the only grand slam to date. In doing so, she became the lowest-ranked(No. 83) US Open champion ever US Open winner ever! However, the next year, she fell short against Anastasija Sevastova in the quarterfinals. And her not being the defending champion this year and still opening the night has put US Open authorities in lime light.

Another fan wrote, “Sloane and not Gauff, the reigning US Open champion 😳.” The situation might dampen Gauff’s spirit, but she is not giving up so soon! In a pre-tournament press conference, Gauff is showed her optimism to defy all the odds and give her best to the tournament. “Obviously, coming in as defending champion is a little bit of pressure, but also more of a privilege, because my new motto is: ‘If you defend, that means you won something before,’” she said. 

“Sorry US OPEN….this opening night lineup ain’t it….,” another fan wrote. Stephens is coming to the tournament after consecutive initial round defeats in Canada and Cincinnati. Moreover, unlike Gauff, who won the doubles title at the French Open, Sloane, the seven WTA singles titlist, has struggled to get past the first round in Paris, both in singles and doubles. 

One fan wrote, “Sloane on prime time Arthur Ashe stadium 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️” while another fan in frustration criticized the tournament, stating, “Sloane 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡I knew yall were bad but this takes cake. What a joke of a tournament/slam.”

While the tennis enthusiasts lined up to support the American sensation, Gauff’s past few performances have barely showcased her usual dominance on-court. Although in Berlin she did manage to enter the semifinals, Jessica Pegula was quick to win over her. More disappointment followed at Wimbledon, where she faced a round-of-16 defeat against Emma Navarro.

Let’s rejoice! Because Gauff has vowed to “reset” her form ahead of the US Open. It’s just a matter of time before we see Gauff reversing her performances and making Americans proud.!