America has become the first country to win the United Cup multiple times after Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz clinched crucial victories in their country’s tie against Poland.
Team USA, who also lifted the title in 2023, got off to a perfect start with Gauff securing a 6-4, 6-4, win over world No.2 Iga Swiatek, somebody who has won more singles matches in the team event (12) than any other female player. Gauff showed resilience through the match, battling back from a break down in both sets. Overall, she won 62% of her service points and broke Swiatek five times.
It is only the third time Gauff has beaten the Pole in their 14 meetings on the Tour. She also beat Swiatek at last year’s WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia and the 2023 Cincinnati Open.
“I have the belief that I’m one of the best players in the world and when I play good tennis I’m hard to beat,” Gauff said. “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 gonna lie.”
Required to win only one of their next two matches in the final, America sealed victory in the men’s singles when Taylor Fritz ousted Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(4) in a lengthy encounter that lasted more than two hours. There were only two breaks of serve in the match, one for each player, and a total of 30 aces were produced. Fritz sealed victory on his first match point in the decisive tiebreaker.
“It’s been a great week,” said Fritz.
“They’re an incredibly tough team and the margins are very small.
“I feel like it could have always gone either way. Just want to say thanks to my whole team.”
America’s route to the title also saw them beat China and the Czech Republic in the knockout stages without dropping a point. In the group stages, they won five out of six matches played.
As for Poland, it is the second year they have finished runners-up at the event. 12 months ago they lost 2-1 to Germany after losing the final set tiebreaker in the mixed doubles.
“I wanted to thank the team because as you could see on the bench, we had such an amazing atmosphere even though this event is exhausting, this is what makes it so special and amazing,” said Swiatek.
“Having the support of you guys. Thank you for that. It gives us a lot of energy.
“Congrats to Team USA. Great job. This second time you’re winning against us. Hopefully the last We’ll do our best. You guys are amazing athletes.”
Following their United Cup campaigns, player’s focus will now switch to the Australian Open which will start in a week.
