Coco Gauff won the ESPY Award for Best Tennis Player for the second straight year, but not without stirring up a storm on social media.
Though her achievements over the past 12 months have been undeniable, many tennis fans questioned the choice, especially given the standout seasons of fellow nominees Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner.
How Did Gauff’s 2024-25 Season Stack Up Against Her Competitors?
Since winning the ESPY in 2024, Gauff has continued to bolster her résumé. She won the China Open, dominated at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, and capped her stellar form with a second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2025.
Her clay-court season was especially impressive, with deep runs at the Madrid Open and Italian Open, and she started her year with a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open. Despite a shock first-round exit at Wimbledon earlier this month, her season overall was a strong continuation of her rise in the sport.
woke up to finding out I won another espy!! ahhhh thank youuuu❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) July 17, 2025
Despite these accomplishments, many tennis followers argued that Gauff wasn’t the top-performing player when compared to her fellow nominees Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner. The backlash was swift and pointed, with fans questioning the voting process and the criteria used for the award.
Why Are Tennis Fans So Divided on Gauff’s ESPY Victory?
The criticism centered on comparisons to her nominated competitors, particularly the men’s players who many felt had superior seasons. One fan wrote on X, “Love Coco but literally Sinner, Alcaraz, and Aryna exist.”
Love Coco but literally Sinner, Alcaraz, and Aryna exist https://t.co/ku7rNse1FW
— AV (@av_alterego) July 17, 2025
Another critic added, “I love Coco but the best female tennis player is Sabalenka right now, and Sinner or Alcaraz is the best overall.”
I love Coco but the best female tennis player is Sabalenka right now, and Sinner or Alcaraz is the best overall
— Capt. Marchy (@TheMaster_Plan_) July 17, 2025
Several fans suggested the award should be renamed entirely. A third comment pointed out, “With all due respect for Coco … I appreciate her impact on women’s tennis right now, but this category should be called ‘Best American Tennis Player’ if Coco has won it. Comparing her to others nominated she didn’t do better than them last year.”
With all due respect for Coco … I appreciate her impact on women tennis right now, but … This category should be called “best AMERICAN tennis player” if Coco has won it. Comparing her to others nominated she didn’t do better than them last year.
— eMKa 🇵🇱 Iganation 🥯 (@eMKa11998811) July 17, 2025
“Ridiculous. She’s not even the best female of 2025. Best American Tennis player makes more sense,” one fan wrote.
“Blasphemous. Sinner or Carlos deserves it,” another user wrote.
What Do Rankings and Statistics Say About the ESPY Choice?
The debate intensified when fans brought up world rankings and statistical comparisons. “Coco’s awesome but wouldn’t the World Number 1 be the right choice?” one user asked, highlighting the disconnect between ESPY voting and official tennis rankings.
Another reaction that gained traction read, “This just proves ESPN knows nothing about women’s tennis. Mirra Andreeva is having a better year for crying out loud. How come Madison Keys gets no love?”
The controversy reflects a broader discussion about how tennis achievements should be measured and whether American popularity plays too large a role in award voting. While Gauff’s supporters point to her Grand Slam victory and consistent performance, critics argue that pure tennis excellence should trump other factors.
