Taylor Fritz got the better of Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the third set tie-break to secure victory for the United States in the United Cup final in Sydney.
The world number four’s 6-4 5-7 7-6 (7-4) victory followed Coco Gauff’s straight-sets victory over Iga Swiatek in the opening women’s singles match.
It is the United States’ second victory in the mixed team event after winning the inaugural title in 2023.
Gauff, the world number three, claimed a second straight victory over Swiatek after beating the former world number one en route to the WTA Finals title in Riyadh in November.
The Pole, now world number two, took a medical timeout at 5-4 in the second set to have straps put on her left thigh, which bothered her all week, and after the 6-4 defeat 6-4, she left the court in tears, walking gingerly.
The victory marks a perfect week for Gauff, 20, who had won her previous six singles and doubles matches at the event as she continues her preparations for the Australian Open, which begins on January 12 at Melbourne.
“I think I’m convinced that I’m one of the best players in the world and when I play good tennis it’s difficult for me to be beaten,” said Gauff, who has not lost a match in singles since his defeat in October. by world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the Wuhan semi-final.
“Today I think I played good tennis and I’m happy to have scored a point for my team,” she said. “It was tough today. I’m not going to lie.”
The second match proved tense, but Fritz raised his level to 3-3 in the deciding match tie-break to defeat his opponent and spark the celebration.
