Coco Gauff has continued to assert her dominance in the tennis world, making a significant statement at the United Cup in Sydney. On Sunday evening, she secured a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, marking her second consecutive win over the five-time Grand Slam champion. This victory was not just a personal triumph for Gauff but also a pivotal moment for Team USA, who clinched the United Cup title for the second time in the tournament’s short history, defeating Poland 2-0.
The match between Gauff and Swiatek was highly anticipated, and it lived up to the hype. Both players displayed their exceptional skills, with Gauff’s solid baseline game and Swiatek’s relentless aggression creating a thrilling contest. The match saw incredible defense from both players, with each chasing down seemingly impossible shots and flipping the momentum in an instant. Gauff, who had struggled with Swiatek in their previous encounters, including a series of losses, appeared to have made significant strides in her game. Her forehand, once a weak point in her arsenal, was now much improved, allowing her to counter Swiatek’s pace and dictate the flow of rallies.
Since hiring coach Matt Daly in September, Gauff has made impressive improvements in her game, particularly with her serve and forehand. Her ability to handle Swiatek’s powerful shots and turn defense into offense marked a turning point in their rivalry. Gauff’s newfound confidence was evident as she held her ground in key moments, winning the final four games of the match to secure the victory. After her triumph, Gauff expressed her belief in her abilities, stating that when she plays her best tennis, she is difficult to beat.
While Gauff’s performance was the highlight of the day, Taylor Fritz also played a crucial role in securing the United Cup for Team USA. In a closely contested match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, Fritz won 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (4) in a thrilling three-set battle. Fritz, who had a breakthrough year in 2024, showed his resilience and composure under pressure, particularly in the tie-break of the final set. His victory, following Gauff’s win, ensured that Team USA would take home the title, capping off a successful tournament for the American team.
The United Cup victory was a testament to the strong team spirit and support within the American camp, with Fritz praising the positive atmosphere throughout the week. The success of both Gauff and Fritz sent a strong message to their rivals ahead of the Australian Open, where both players will enter with renewed confidence.
Meanwhile, other notable events in the tennis world included Naomi Osaka’s heartbreaking retirement in the Auckland Open final due to an abdominal injury. Despite a strong start in the match against Clara Tauson, Osaka was forced to retire while leading 6-4, casting doubt on her participation in the upcoming Australian Open. Additionally, Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, confirmed that she would miss the Australian Open due to a back injury. Other notable absentees from Melbourne include Caroline Wozniacki and Karolina Pliskova.
In Brisbane, Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run in Australia, winning her 18th career title after coming from behind to defeat Polina Kudermetova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Sabalenka has been in excellent form, winning 27 of her last 28 matches in Australia, including two Australian Open titles. In the men’s draw, Jiri Lehecka claimed his second career title after Reilly Opelka was forced to retire during their final match.
