"Just a joke" "American audience above everything"- Fans upset as Coco Gauff wins ESPY 2024 award above Iga Swiatek, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz 

Several tennis fans were unconvinced by the decision to give the ESPYs 2024 Best Tennis Player award to Coco Gauff. The American was nominated alongside Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Alcaraz.

The ESPY Awards, held on Thursday, July 11, gave fans numerous highlights, notably how 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams hosted the show, keeping the laughs coming. However, another highlight was Coco Gauff winning the Best Tennis Player award.

The World No. 2 won her first career WTA 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open last year, followed by her first major title at the US Open. Although she also won the women's doubles event at the French Open 2024, Gauff has not had an ideal singles season this year, with her only victory coming at the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Moreover, Gauff winning the Best Player award over the likes of Swiatek, Alcaraz, and Djokovic prompted one fan to express disapproval on X, writing:

"Coco Gauff won the ESPYS best tennis player over Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz AND Novak Djokovic. You can’t be serious about this."

Several tennis aficionados on X reacted to the comments, echoing the sentiments, with one calling the decision a "joke."

"No shade to Coco who is an incredible player but this is just a joke, sad," they wrote.

Another fan pointed out that Coco Gauff had an advantage, as they believe the ESPYs are for the American audience:

"Every new generation of tennis fans go through this stage of realizing EPSYS are for the American audience above every thing else," the fan wrote.

"Fan based award on ESPN which is an American broadcast. Pretty plain and simple answer," a fan echoed.

Here are a few more reactions from the fans:

"People really want her to be the next Serena Williams.. she’s not even close," a fan said.

"This reminds me of how they always putting her on centre court like she’s actually done something at wimby," a fan weighed in.

"What a scam this crap is @ESPYS This girl hasn’t proven anything yet," another commented.

The ESPY Awards used to have separate categories for men and women but last year, they were combined into a single award, which was won by Novak Djokovic.

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"I am super grateful" - Coco Gauff after winning the ESPYs 2024 Best Tennis Player award

Day Three: The Championships - Wimbledon 2024

Coco Gauff, who was not in attendance during the event, later shared her reaction on X. The American thanked those who voted for her, writing:

"Apparently I won an espy 🤯 thank you ❤️❤️ i am super grateful! I wish I could’ve attended! thank you to every one who voted"

Gauff last appeared in the fourth round of Wimbledon 2024, where she lost to her compatriot Emma Navarro 4-6, 3-6. The World No. 2 then made it to the quarterfinals of the doubles tournament, teaming up with Jessica Pegula, but lost to the duo of Elise Mertens and Hsieh Su-wei.

The 20-year-old now has her sights set on the Paris Olympics, marking her first appearance at the marquee event. The American missed the Tokyo Games As she tested positive for COVID-19, but will lead the USA tennis team this time. Gauff will be joined by Emma Navarro, Jessica Pegula, and Danielle Collins in the women's singles.