Coco Gauff’s remarkable ascent in professional tennis has been punctuated by a persistent challenge: Iga Swiatek. For a considerable period, Gauff struggled against Swiatek, accumulating a disheartening 11 losses in 12 matches. However, this seemingly one-sided rivalry is rapidly evolving into one of the sport’s most compelling matchups.
Gauff’s recent victory over Swiatek at the United Cup in Sydney marked her second consecutive win against the five-time Grand Slam champion. In a thrilling two-hour encounter showcasing exceptional tennis from both players, Gauff triumphed 6-4, 6-4, securing the first point for the United States and paving the way for their 2-0 victory over Poland, claiming the United Cup title for the second time. This win followed Taylor Fritz’s hard-fought 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (4) victory over Hubert Hurkacz, solidifying the US team’s triumph.
The final women’s match was the highlight of an exhilarating United Cup. Gauff and Swiatek, two of the WTA tour’s best, engaged in a captivating display of power and precision. Both players aggressively controlled the baseline, showcasing exceptional defense and seamlessly transitioning between defense and attack. While Gauff displayed greater consistency in the first set, Swiatek fought back with an early break in the second. However, Gauff’s resilience shone through in the crucial moments, securing the final four games and ultimately the match against a visibly tiring Swiatek.
Gauff’s recent improvement is attributed to her new coach, Matt Daly, hired after the US Open. She has focused on refining her serve and significantly strengthening her forehand, previously a weakness exploited by Swiatek’s powerful game. The improved forehand now deflects pace more effectively and generates heavy topspin, altering the dynamic of their matches. This enhanced skillset was evident in her November victory over Swiatek at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, further bolstering her confidence heading into the Australian Open. “I have the belief that I’m one of the best players in the world. When I play good tennis, I’m hard to beat,” Gauff confidently stated.
Fritz’s performance mirrored Gauff’s success. Building on a career year that included a top-four ranking and a Grand Slam final appearance, he showcased his composure and skill, securing a crucial win against Hurkacz. “I want to thank my team, unbelievable support,” Fritz expressed, highlighting the team’s collaborative spirit.
Elsewhere, the Auckland Open concluded with contrasting fortunes. Naomi Osaka’s promising run ended prematurely due to an abdominal injury, forcing her retirement from the final despite leading. Similarly, Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, announced her withdrawal from the Australian Open due to a back injury, joining a list of notable absences including Caroline Wozniacki and Karolina Pliskova. In Brisbane, Aryna Sabalenka secured her 18th career title, defeating Polina Kudermetova, extending her impressive Australian record. In the men’s draw, Jiri Lehecka claimed his second career title after Reilly Opelka’s retirement.