SYDNEY (AP) — The United States triumphed at the 2025 United Cup, winning their second title in three years, as Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz delivered dominant performances against Poland. The tournament, which kicked off the ATP Tour season, saw the Americans overcome their rivals with Gauff defeating Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-4, followed closely by Fritz's nail-biting victory over Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (4).
Coco Gauff, ranked third globally, reflected on her win, saying, "It's great to win a team event, the only team event I’ve ever won, so I’m super excited." This victory adds to her impressive record, where she ended the tournament with five consecutive wins, each match affirming her place among the elite of women's tennis.
Gauff's matchup against Swiatek, the world number two, was highly anticipated, as both players are considered among the best on the WTA tour. Their clash lived up to expectations, showcasing intense rallies and strategic play. Gauff managed to capitalize on Swiatek's uncharacteristic 19 unforced errors, showing her growth and resilience. Despite stumbling after taking an early lead, Gauff regained composure, marking her second consecutive victory over Swiatek after also winning their encounter at the WTA Finals last November.
“I have the belief I’m one of the best players in the world and when I play good tennis I’m hard to beat,” Gauff added after the match, highlighting her confidence as she heads toward the upcoming Australian Open starting January 12. Gauff's capable handling of pressure and her ability to deliver when it mattered most thrilled fans at the Ken Rosewall Arena.
Following Gauff’s straight sets win, Taylor Fritz took to the court and faced Hubert Hurkacz. The match was tightly contested, with Fritz having to display nerves of steel during the deciding tie-break. The tension built as both players fought for every point, with the final set seeing Fritz pull away at key moments to secure victory. “The vibes all week were amazing. That’s one of the things... why we’ve been able to do so well. We’ve just really come together. It’s amazing," Fritz remarked after his match, emphasizing the strong team spirit among the American players.
With this victory, the United States not only secured the Cup but also gained valuable momentum heading toward the Australian Open. The win serves as both validation for Gauff and Fritz's hard work over the past year and as encouragement as they look to make deep runs at the first Grand Slam of the season.
The USA first won the United Cup during its inaugural event against Germany, and this year’s championship reaffirms their position as one of the leading nations on the tennis stage. Gauff's fantastic start to the season contrasts her previous struggles against Swiatek—she had lost 11 out of 12 matches to the Polish star before securing two wins back-to-back, signaling not only her improvement but also her increasing competitiveness at the highest level.
Both players are aware of the challenges they face at the Australian Open, with Gauff's focus shifting toward building on her recent success. She stated, "Today I think I played some great tennis. I’m glad I was able to get a point for Team USA. It was tough today, I’m not going to lie." Her praise for her teammate Fritz reinforces the camaraderie present within the squad during the United Cup.
Looking forward, tennis fans are eager to see how Gauff and Fritz will perform on the Grand Slam stage. With both athletes now filled with confidence from their United Cup exploits, their assessments of previous matches will play key roles as they prepare for Melbourne. Their performances not only entertain but also exhibit the rising talents of American tennis on the world stage.
This recent victory asserts the USA's position as a formidable force within mixed-team events, with the skills displayed by both Gauff and Fritz serving as reminders of the level of talent present within American tennis. Each match at the United Cup was not just about winning but also about solidifying their identities as strong contenders heading toward multiple high-stakes tournaments.