Coco Gauff Delivers Double to Propel Defending Champions into United Cup Semifinals
Coco Gauff answered a challenging week with a commanding performance on Wednesday, winning two crucial matches to lead the defending champion United States past Greece and into the United Cup semifinals in Sydney.
After a surprise singles loss earlier in the tournament and related social media discussions, Gauff refocused brilliantly. She first dismantled Greece's Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the quarterfinal tie. "I think I was striking the ball well today, and when that happens, my movement on the court is also good," Gauff said after her dominant display. "I usually know it’s going to be a good day."
When teammate Taylor Fritz, battling knee tendinitis, fell to Stefanos Tsitsipas, the tie was pushed to a decisive mixed doubles match. Paired with Christian Harrison, Gauff clinched the American victory, overcoming Tsitsipas and Sakkari 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 in a tense match-tiebreak. The American duo surged to a 5-1 lead in the breaker before the Greek pair fought back to level at 6-6, but Gauff and Harrison held their nerve to secure the win.
Other Quarterfinal Action
In other Sydney action, Poland secured its quarterfinal berth from Group F with a 2-0 win over the Netherlands. World No. 1 Iga Świątek and teammate Hubert Hurkacz both won their singles matches, setting up a likely quarterfinal clash against host nation Australia.
In Perth, Swiss legend Stan Wawrinka, on his farewell tour ahead of retirement this year, was scheduled to lead Switzerland against Argentina in a night quarterfinal.
Gauff's resilient double victory underscores her growing leadership role on the U.S. team as they advance to defend their title, with the semifinals set for Saturday in Sydney.
