“I have the belief that I’m one of the best players in the world”: Coco Gauff confidence soars after defeating Iga Swiatek at United Cup

Coco Gauff shared her thoughts after defeating Iga Swiatek for the second consecutive time, paving the way for Team USA’s victory at the United Cup. The World No. 3 starts the year full of confidence, particularly after ending 2024 with a title at the WTA Finals.

The American has won 18 of her last 20 matches, securing titles at the China Open and the WTA Finals, and now a team trophy for the USA. “I have the belief that I’m one of the best players in the world,” she said. “Today, I think I played some great tennis.”

Gauff breaks the spell: Another win over Swiatek

Swiatek had won 11 of their first 12 matches, but Gauff seems to have found answers to the Pole’s game, now claiming back-to-back wins—at the WTA Finals and now the United Cup—though Swiatek still leads the head-to-head 11-3.

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Looking at the sets, Swiatek had dominated early encounters, winning 23 of their first 25 sets. However, Gauff’s last two wins were achieved in straight sets. “I’m glad to get a point on board for Team USA. It was tough today, I’m not gonna lie. There were a lot of Polish fans. I appreciate the atmosphere. Thank you to the US fans, especially the ones up here that were carrying [the energy].”

Gauff also acknowledged that even a loss would have left Team USA with a chance to win the title. "I realized the worst thing that can happen today is I lose. In this type of format, even if I lose, we still have a chance to win. I just said, ‘I’m gonna give my best effort,’ and I think that’s all the team can ask of me.”

Gauff will now travel to Melbourne to make final preparations for the Australian Open. As the third seed, she positions herself as one of the title favourites, riding a wave of confidence.

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