Coco Gauff led the charge for Team USA on New Year’s Day in Perth, delivering a commanding singles victory that set the tone for their 3-0 triumph over China in the United Cup quarterfinals. The defending champions showcased their depth and firepower, with Gauff’s win followed by a strong singles performance from Taylor Fritz.
The pair then joined forces in mixed doubles, securing a decisive victory to complete the sweep. With this dominant performance, Team USA has once again asserted its dominance on the global tennis stage, earning a spot in the semifinals.
World No. 3 Gauff set the tone with a resilient 7-6(4), 6-2 victory over Zhang Shuai, while Fritz followed up with a composed 6-4, 6-4 win against Zhang Zhizhen. The mixed doubles team of Desirae Krawczyk and Robert Galloway completed the clean sweep with a 6-3, 6-7(1), 10-3 victory, cementing Team USA’s place in the final four.
Coco Gauff kicked off the tie with a display of resilience and skill against Zhang Shuai. The 19-year-old faced significant pressure in the opening set, falling behind by a break on three occasions. However, the 2023 U.S. Open champion displayed her trademark composure, clawing back each time and eventually forcing a tiebreak. Once there, she took control early, racing to a 5-1 lead and sealing the set 7-6(4).
The second set was all Gauff, as she surged to a 3-0 lead and never looked back. Her powerful baseline play and precise shot placement kept Zhang on the defensive, ultimately sealing the match in one hour and 34 minutes. It was yet another testament to the 2024 WTA Finals champion’s maturity and determination under pressure.
Taylor Fritz, ranked World No. 4, followed Coco Gauff’s lead with a composed and efficient performance against Zhang Zhizhen. The American star played confidently, relying on his powerful serve and consistent groundstrokes to control the match’s tempo. The 2024 US Open runners-up broke Zhang’s serve early in both sets, capitalizing on unforced errors from his opponent.
Despite Zhang’s attempts to mount a comeback, Fritz maintained his focus and closed out the match 6-4, 6-4 in just over 80 minutes. The 2024 ATP Finals runners-up later admitted that he felt the weight of responsibility after Gauff’s victory, expressing his determination not to let his teammate down.
With the tie already secured, the mixed doubles pair of Desirae Krawczyk and Robert Galloway entered the court to complete a clean sweep. Facing Zhang Shuai and Sun Fajing, the American duo combined smart shot-making with excellent court coverage.
The match tightened after taking the first set 6-3 as the Chinese pair edged out a second-set tiebreak. However, Krawczyk and Galloway regrouped in the match tiebreak, racing to a 10-3 finish and sealing Team USA’s emphatic 3-0 victory.
Team USA’s performance against China is a powerful statement of intent as they aim to defend their United Cup title. With Coco Gauff’s resilience, Taylor Fritz’s precision, and the doubles team’s chemistry, the Americans are once again proving why they are among the most formidable teams in the competition. As the semifinals loom, all eyes will be on Team USA to see if they can replicate their championship-winning form from last year. For more fearless sports coverage, visit Stadium Rant.
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