"It's giving internalised misogyny" - Tennis fans criticize Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff for endorsing trash talk in tennis
American tennis duo Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff recently faced the wrath of tennis fans on social media after they endorsed trash talking in tennis.
The American duo won their second doubles title of the season at the recently concluded Miami Open. Seeded second, Pegula and Gauff beat Leylah Fernandez and Taylor Townsend 7-6 (6), 6-2 to lift the coveted trophy.
Speaking to the WTA after their victorious run at the Miami Open, Gauff and Pegula were asked about their views on trash talking and how much of it happens in tennis.
"I think it would make the sport interesting. I think this is something that would bring more fans in. Pretty much every other sport has it. In college tennis they trash talk a lot," Coco Gauff said.
Pegula on her part stated that their colleagues on the ATP tour have more fun with trash talking.
"Guys are just better at having fun with it. With the girls, it gets too personal. I don't know why. I think it would be fun," Jessica Pegula said.
But several fans on Twitter lashed out at the American duo for their comments on trash-talking.
"Exhibit 999 on why Americans should keep most of their ideas to themselves," one fan wrote.
exhibit 999 on why americans should keep most of their ideas to themselves twitter.com/thetennislette…
Another fan questioned the need to bring trash-talking to tennis when there was already so much drama.
"Why on earth would you bring it to tennis?! besides, there is enough side eye and salt at the net," they wrote.
twitter.com/thetennislette…
why on earth would you bring it to tennis?! besides, there is enough side eye and salt at the net 💀 twitter.com/thetennislette…
One fan argued that tennis is loved for its camaraderie and respect among the players, so trash talk would be bad for the spirit of the game.
"All this American-Sports ideas… I love tennis for sportsmanship, elegance, respect. Players are friends, speak to each other, help out each other even in matches when one gets injured, train with each other… Why try and bring trash talk???"
@TheTennisLetter All this American-Sports ideas… I love tennis for the sportsmanship, the elegance, the respect. Players are friends, speak to each other, help out each other even in matches when one gets injured, train with each other… Why try and bring trash talk???
Some fans criticized Coco Gauff in particular for her views on the subject.
"Gauff said that? Smh. Maybe she needs to make her game more interesting," one fan wrote.
@TheTennisLetter Gauff said that? Smh. Maybe she needs to make her game more interesting.
Here are a few more fan reactions:
it's giving internalised misogyny from jpeg twitter.com/TheTennisLette…
@TheTennisLetter They can't even serve if someone isn't sitting down in the top row
twitter.com/thetennislette…
pls the fracking princess would get eaten up if trash talk were allowed😭 twitter.com/thetennislette…
@TheTennisLetter Why do you believe players that are not winning major titles, Grand Slams and Master 1000 events are constantly thinking about changes that have nothing to do with improving their game,
just does not make sense to me!
Jessica Pegula to take on Anna Blinkova in Charleston opener
World No. 3 Jessica Pegula will take on Russia's Anna Blinkova in her Round of 32 match at the ongoing Charleston Open. Blinkova beat Anna Bondar in the Round of 64 to set up a clash with the American.
Jessica Pegula, 29, earlier lost to reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 7-6(3), 6-4 in the semifinals of the Miami Open. She could face 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the Round of 16 in Charleston.