All eyes are on Coco Gauff. After landing in Perth for the 2025 United Cup right after Christmas, Gauff showed impressive form, winning three singles matches in the tournament! As her Team USA secures a place in the semifinals, former WTA player Coco Vandeweghe highlights the interesting qualities she found in Coco Gauff during this team event.
Gauff overpowered Leylah Fernandez in the first singles match by 6-3 and 6-2. After that, she defeated Croatia’s Donna Vekic and Zhang Shuai from China in the quarterfinals. Gauff also helped Taylor Fritz in their first mixed doubles match against Canada and together the duo saved Team United States’ position in the event after Fritz lost his first singles match in the tournament. Post-victory, Fritz applauded Gauff’s support and said, “What’s up, guys? Just clinched the match for Team USA. Coco is carrying me and yeah, we’re ready for the next round.”
After Taylor Fritz, former WTA star Coco Vandeweghe had a similar opinion about Gauff’s performance in the 2025 United Cup. While speaking to Tennis Channel journalist Prakash Amritraj in the Tennis Channel live podcast, she said, “I do think Coco Gauff has kind of put the mindset for Team USA out there. She did say it was revenge four times. So, I think she has that team USA’s leader, and that’s why her winning is almost more valuable than Taylor Fritz.”
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Vandeweghe’s statement highlighted Gauff’s words after she defeated Vekic in the United Cup. “She’s a great player. The Olympics loss hurt, so I definitely was thinking about it just as motivation to do better and I’m happy to send my team through,” said the former US Open champion. Now, Vekic overpowered Gauff in the Paris Olympics, taking away the latter’s chance of winning a medal. To avenge that loss, Gauff worked hard and defeated Vekic in the United Cup, showing impeccable form in this new season.
via Imago WUHAN, CHINA – OCTOBER 12: Coco Gauff of United States competes in the Women s Singles Semifinal match against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus on day eight of 2024 Wuhan Open at Optics Valley International Tennis Center on October 12, 2024 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111523401526
Gauff’s decision to play in the 2025 United Cup came as a surprise for many in the fraternity. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts were intrigued to see Gauff skip the ASB Classic tournament, which she championed twice earlier. However, the former US Open champion answered that question, shedding light on why she decided to change her plans and attend the 2025 United Cup.
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Coco Gauff revealed why she decided to play in the 2025 United Cup
Gauff’s decision to withdraw from the ASB Classic tournament raised questions since she won the tournament the last two seasons. However, reflecting on her latest decision, the former US Open champion said, “I love Auckland. I won twice there – It was a great tournament. For me, I wanted to play a higher level of competition and also a team competition. I had a lot of fun with the Paris Olympics. The season’s already so much by ourselves that it’s nice to mix it up. I think for all of us the main focus is the Australian Open and doing well there.” Gauff’s words echoed her interest to pair up with Fritz and play mixed doubles, which she did successfully, and led her team to the semifinals which will take place in Sydney.
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Coco Gauff’s performance in the 2025 United Cup revealed her leadership qualities. Not only did she perform great but also showcased great coordination with Fritz for her team. With her form and result, Gauff proved that whether it is singles, doubles, or mixed doubles, the former US Open champion will remain indomitable in her game.