US tennis star Coco Gauff’s controversial incident at the Australian Open spilled over into the NFL community, with notable voices across the league weighing in on the match in Melbourne. No. 3-ranked Gauff suffered a massive upset at the hands of Ukraine’s No. 12-ranked Elina Svitolina, leading to heated emotions after the match.
What did former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho say about the controversy?
Emmanuel Acho Defends Coco Gauff After Racket-Smashing Meltdown Sparks Backlash
Gauff edged Karolina Muchova 2-1 in the Round of 16 at the Australian Open to set up a Quarterfinal showdown with Svitolina at Rod Laver Arena. However, the American’s solid run came to a crashing halt, as the Ukrainian dominated the first two sets 6-1, 6-2 to send the 21-year-old packing.
The loss was so frustrating that Gauff smashed her racket after the game in a heated meltdown. While it wasn’t the first incident of its kind, many people criticized her behavior. Acho, who’s dealt with the heat of competition, gave his take on the situation, backing the young tennis star’s emotions.
“I have no issue with the outburst,” he admitted on “Speakeasy” this week. “I have no issue with the ‘how.’ I only have a small issue with the ‘when.’ If a man did what Coco Gauff did, it was a non-story. If it was a man who did what Coco Gauff did, nobody’s talking about it.”
“There are so many stereotypes that are attributed to black women being aggressive and angry and this is another one of those instances”
– @EmmanuelAcho defends Coco Gauff slamming her racket repeatedly after an “embarrassing” loss pic.twitter.com/FHKCzNKXMV
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) January 28, 2026
Famous American tennis star John McEnroe earned a notorious reputation for his outbursts, during which he would smash his rackets. The behavior isn’t new to tennis, and Acho believes there is more at play in Gauff’s situation.
“I also think we have to be understanding of the fact that there are so many stereotypes that are attributed to black women being aggressive and angry,” he added. “This is another one of those instances. Coco Gauff just lost a devastating match. I think she lost 6-1, lost 6-2 — two sets and it was blouses. It was an embarrassing performance — her own words, her own family’s words, her own coach’s words, and the analysts’ words.
“She was upset. Athletes, at the pinnacle of their performances, when they fall short, they are upset. I just think a lot of people are treating Coco Gauff like you would treat a man.”
Gauff will return to the States to rest up and prepare for her next outing. The French Open in May will be her next chance to redeem herself
