Coco Gauff led the United States to its second United Cup title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over world No. 2. Iga Swiątek a week before the start of the Australian Open.
Gauffworld number 3, has now won back-to-back matches against Świątek after winning just one of her first 12 meetings, with one of the women’s tour’s main rivalries now looking less lopsided.
“I believe I am one of the best players in the world and, when I play good tennis, I am hard to beat,” Gauff said, according to the WTA. “Today I think I played good tennis. I’m happy I was able to score a point for the American team. It was tough today, I’m not going to lie.
“It’s awesome to win a team event, the only team event I’ve ever won, so I’m super excited.”
The United States won its second title in three years since the inaugural United Cup in 2023 as Taylor Fritz defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (4) to secure a 2-0 victory over Poland in the final. .
But it was the match between Gauff and Świątek that was the big draw of the day and both stars did not disappoint, treating fans to almost two hours of scintillating tennis.
After beating Świątek in November en route to win the WTA final In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Gauff will likely now feel extremely confident in her ability to beat anyone she faces once the Australian Open begins on January 12.
Gauff, who had a perfect record in both singles and doubles throughout the week, reached her first Australian Open semi-final last year where she lost to the eventual champion and current n World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, while Świątek reached the last four in 2022.
However, Świątek left the court in apparent discomfort on Sunday after taking a medical timeout at the end of the second set to strain his left thigh.
Sabalenka continues to dominate at the Antipodes
Elsewhere, Sabalenka continued to prepare for the defense of her Australian Open title by winning the Brisbane International.
The world No. 1 had to work hard for her victory against world No. 107 Polina Kudermetova, fighting back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Sabalenka is attempting to become the first woman to win three consecutive Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis achieved the feat between 1997 and 1999.
“I feel really good about my game,” Sabalenka said, according to the WTA. “Mentally, physically, I will be ready for the Australian Open. Really happy with how the week went. That this trophy goes to the major is really important.
“I feel really confident in my game. I’m just excited.” I love playing there. I like to fight for my dream. These are the conditions in which I really feel comfortable. I’m just super excited going into the Australian Open.
Osaka injured before Australian Open
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka reached her first final since 2022 but was forced to withdraw through injury after winning the first set 6-4 against Denmark’s Clara Tauson at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
Osaka returned to tennis in early 2024 after spending more than a year away from the sport prioritizing her mental health and then becoming a mother.
The four-time Grand Slam champion appeared to be suffering from an abdominal injury and looked in tears as she waited for the coach.
It was an unfortunate end to an impressive week of tennis for Osaka, who is trying to win her first title since the 2021 Australian Open.
“I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city,” Osaka said, according to AP. “I had a lot of fun playing here and I’m really sorry for how it ended, but I hope you enjoyed the tennis we played. I’m really, really grateful to be here.
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