World number four Taylor Fritz delivered a nail-biting win over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz to secure the United States’ victory in the United Cup final in Sydney. Fritz triumphed 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4) in a dramatic third-set tie-break, sealing the championship for his team in the mixed-gender team event.
The match followed an equally impressive performance by Coco Gauff, the world number three, who overcame Poland’s Iga Swiatek in straight sets. Gauff’s 6-4, 6-4 victory marked her second consecutive triumph over the former world number one, adding to her stellar run at the WTA Finals in Riyadh last November.
This victory marked the second United Cup title for the United States, having clinched the inaugural championship in 2023. The event, designed to celebrate team spirit in tennis, showcased the dominance of Team USA, whose players have been in outstanding form.
Gauff’s win came despite an injury scare for Swiatek, who required medical attention for a recurring thigh issue. Swiatek took a medical timeout at 5-4 in the second set, but the injury hampered her performance, leaving her visibly emotional after the match. The Pole, now ranked world number two, left the court in tears after a week of battling through the pain.
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For Gauff, the victory caps off a flawless tournament, during which she won all six of her singles and doubles matches. As she prepares for the Australian Open beginning January 12 in Melbourne, her confidence is at an all-time high.
“I believe I’m one of the best players in the world,” Gauff stated after her win. “When I play good tennis, I’m tough to beat. Today, I played great, and I’m happy to have secured a point for my team.” She also admitted the match was challenging, adding, “It was tough out there, but I’m proud of the way I handled it.”
The final match saw Fritz overcome a tense battle against Hurkacz, with both players displaying world-class tennis. The American raised his game in the deciding tie-break, pulling ahead at 3-3 and maintaining his composure to close out the match. His victory sparked jubilant celebrations among his teammates and fans, underscoring Team USA’s dominance in the competition.
