Coco Gauff Powers USA to United Cup Semifinals
Perth, 10 January 2026 – Coco Gauff delivered a commanding performance in the United Cup quarterfinals against Greece, securing two wins to help the defending champions advance to the semifinals. The 21-year-old American overcame a recent singles loss to bounce back strongly, highlighting her resilience in team competition.
United Cup Quarterfinal Highlights
Gauff began the quarterfinal tie with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Maria Sakkari in women’s singles, giving the United States an early 1-0 lead. Despite Stefanos Tsitsipas levelling the score by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-5, Gauff teamed up with Christian Harrison to clinch the mixed doubles decider 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 against Sakkari and Tsitsipas. The Americans will now face the winner of the Poland-Australia quarterfinal in Sydney on 11 January 2026.
Gauff reflected on her form, stating, “I think I was striking the ball well today, and when that happens, my movement on the court is also good. I usually know it’s going to be a good day.” This marked her third straight win over Sakkari and extended her United Cup mixed doubles success with Harrison.
Earlier in the tournament, Gauff had suffered a three-set loss to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on 5 January 2026, her first United Cup singles defeat in 10 matches. However, she redeemed herself in mixed doubles against Spain, contributing to the USA’s group-stage victory.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current WTA Ranking | 4 |
| Career Singles Titles | 11 |
| 2025 Highlights | Won Wuhan Open final (6-4, 7-5 over Jessica Pegula); reached semifinals at China Open; advanced to round of 16 at US Open |
| United Cup 2026 Record | 3-1 in singles and doubles combined |
| Head-to-Head vs Sakkari | 6-5 in favour of Gauff |
| Career Earnings | A$29.8 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coco Gauff’s playing style?
Gauff is known for her powerful baseline play, aggressive forehand, and strong serve. At 175 cm tall, she combines athleticism with mental toughness, often dictating rallies and finishing points with winners.
How has Gauff performed in recent tournaments?
In 2025, Gauff won her second title of the year at the Wuhan Open and reached the semifinals at the China Open. She also advanced to the round of 16 at the US Open but exited early at Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Open.
What are Gauff’s goals for 2026?
Gauff aims to defend her United Cup title with the USA and perform well at the Australian Open, where she reached the final in 2024. She has expressed interest in improving her consistency across surfaces.