Staff Reporter.
Coco Gauff laid down a marker ahead of the Australian Open by beating Iga Swiatek for the second time in a row to help USA beat Poland in the United Cup.
Gauff followed her victory over Swiatek at the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November with a 6-4 6-4 win in Sydney on Sunday before Taylor Fritz defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4 5-7 7-6 (7-4) to give USA an unassailable 2-0 lead.
It is the second win for the US in the mixed team event after they took the inaugural title in 2023.
The win continued a perfect week for Gauff, 20, who had won all six of her previous singles and doubles matches at the event as she continues her preparations for the Australian Open, which begins on 12 January in Melbourne.
“I think I have the belief that I am one of the best players in the world, and when I play good tennis, it’s hard for me to be beaten,” said Gauff, who has not lost a singles match since a defeat in October by world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the Wuhan semi-finals.
“Today I think I played great tennis, and I’m happy to get a point for my team on the board,” she said. “It was tough today. I’m not gonna lie.”
The second rubber proved tense but Fritz raised his level at 3-3 in the tie-break of the decider to see off his opponent and spark celebrations.