Coco Gauff stole the spotlight at the 2025 United Cup, rescuing Team USA with two clutch wins, including a decisive mixed doubles match alongside Taylor Fritz, to edge out Canada in a thrilling tie.
Heroics Amidst High Stakes
Gauff initially gave the United States a strong start by defeating Leylah Fernandez in straight sets in the women’s singles match. But the tie took a dramatic turn when Taylor Fritz, the second-highest-ranked ATP player in the tournament, suffered a stunning collapse against Felix Auger-Aliassime despite being in a dominant position.
Fritz led 6-4, 5-3 and served for the match, but a sudden unraveling of his game saw him lose four consecutive games, dropping the second set 7-5. Auger-Aliassime capitalized on the momentum shift, taking the final set 6-3 to level the tie and force a decisive mixed doubles match.
Gauff and Fritz Deliver in Mixed Doubles
The high-stakes mixed doubles showdown saw Gauff and Fritz face off against the Canadian pairing of Auger-Aliassime and Fernandez. The match was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading blows in tense moments.
- First Set Drama: Gauff and Fritz took an early lead at 4-2, only for the Canadians to break back and push the set to a tiebreak. The American duo dominated the tiebreak, winning it 7-2.
- Second Set Clutch Play: Despite another early break, the Americans found themselves pegged back. At 5-5, Gauff and Fritz broke once more and sealed the match 7-6(2), 7-5 with a commanding hold of serve.
Gauff Keeps It Cool
Despite her heroic performances, Gauff maintained a lighthearted attitude during the post-match press conference, quipping about her mindset on the court:
“Oh, yeah, I was having fun. The bench… I was laughing. I was having a good time. I wasn’t thinking about the pressure, to be honest. I was just like, ‘Whatever… Only so much I can do in a mixed doubles match.’ I was just trying my best to have fun and enjoy it, yeah.”
Her calm demeanor belied the high-pressure situation, solidifying her reputation as a clutch player who thrives when it matters most.
Team USA’s Quest for Glory
The win keeps Team USA alive in the United Cup and underscores Gauff’s growing stature as a leader in high-pressure team events. For Fritz, the mixed doubles victory may serve as redemption after his earlier singles disappointment. With Gauff’s momentum and the team’s resilience, Team USA looks poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
What’s Next?
As the United Cup heats up, Gauff and Fritz will aim to carry their team through the remaining ties and potentially secure the prestigious title. With Gauff firing on all cylinders and Fritz hungry to bounce back, Team USA remains a formidable contender.