American tennis star Coco Gauff says she received racist messages from gamblers after Madrid Open exit

A reporter at the Australian Open is facing backlash after pressing American players with political questions about President Trump. Brewer Group CEO Jack Brewer weighs in on the exchange and the role of politics in sports media.

At just 22, Coco Gauff has already earned U.S. Open and French Open Grand Slam titles. 

But earlier this week, the American star exited the Madrid Open well before the final, falling short in her bid for another tournament victory.

Linda Nosková defeated Gauff Monday in the Round of 16. After her Madrid Open run ended, Gauff said she faced backlash from "angry" gamblers upset their wagers did not pay off.

"@ the angry gamblers saying racist things in my IG comments/dms hiding behind anonymous accounts," Gauff said in a post to her TikTok account Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Coco Gauff reacts against Sorana Cîrstea during the Madrid Open 2026 at La Caja Magica on April 26, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.  (Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Gauff also referenced a Young M.A. song, sharing lyrics that read: "Yeah they hate, but they broke though (But they broke though) / And when it’s time to pop, they a no-show (Where they at?)"

The sports betting industry continues to surge in the U.S., generating a record $16.96 billion in revenue in 2025, the American Gaming Association said. Prediction markets have increased competition but have not significantly slowed the industry’s growth.

American tennis player Coco Gauff looks dejected as she leaves the court after losing to Linda Nosková of Czechia in the women's singles fourth round at the Madrid Open in Madrid, Spain, on April 27, 2026. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The surge in revenue also translated into