“It started my season pretty strong”: Coco Gauff looks to repeat United Cup success with Fritz

Coco Gauff spoke upon her arrival in Perth to compete at the United Cup, where she will look to defend the title she won back in 2025 alongside Taylor Fritz. It was the second time the United States claimed the trophy, although the previous title in 2023 was won with Jessica Pegula partnering Fritz.

Back in January, 2025, with Gauff leading the way, the Americans secured singles victories against Leylah Fernandez of Canada and Donna Vekic of Croatia during the round-robin stage. In the quarterfinals, Gauff defeated China’s Shuai Zhang, and later overcame Czech star Karolina Muchova in the semifinals, sending the United States into the final for the second time in just three editions of the tournament.

The current world No. 3 delivered a crucial victory over Iga Swiatek on finals day, setting the stage for Fritz to clinch the trophy for the U.S. after defeating Hubert Hurkacz in the second singles match. The 21-year-old also partnered Fritz in mixed doubles during the group stage, finishing her Australian stay with a perfect campaign.

This time around, Gauff arrived nearly a week early and will spend New Year’s Eve in Perth as she prepares on the practice courts to adapt to the conditions ahead of the Australian Open.

"I know we’re going to another beach... so, I guess, experiencing another beach is going to be pretty cool," the American told Nine Australia upon arriving at the tournament with her family. "I’m super excited to be here, and I’m looking forward to another United Cup."

Gauff will once again team up with Fritz for the second consecutive year, this time aiming to defend the title. She arrived at Perth Airport ahead of her opening match, scheduled for January 3 against Argentina’s Solana Sierra. Asked whether she feels pressure defending the title, Gauff was clear. "No," she said. "I mean, it’s a team event, so I feel like the pressure is off and it’s more about the team."

The American is also eager to reunite with Fritz, with whom she forms the tournament’s top-ranked duo, boasting the best combined ranking: world No. 6 for Fritz and No. 3 for Gauff. They are also the only pair featuring two Top 10 players. "I’m looking forward to being on the team with (Fritz) again. He’s a pretty confident player and very, very sure of himself. It’s something I appreciate seeing and learning from as well."

The two-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged that last year’s campaign provided a significant confidence boost to start the season. "Last year I felt like it started off my season pretty strong, so looking forward to hopefully doing the same thing," the 21-year-old added. "But you never know what to expect at the start of the year. You’ve been practising for a few weeks straight and hopefully the things I’ve been working on translate over."

In the round-robin stage, the United States will play its first tie on January 3 against Argentina, with Fritz facing Sebastian Baez and Gauff taking on Sierra. If needed, the tie will be decided by mixed doubles, where Christian Harrison and Nicole Melichar-Martinez are ready to step in—although there could also be surprises, with Gauff and Fritz potentially teaming up again as they did in 2025.

The second group-stage tie will be against Spain, who arrive weakened by the absences of Carlos Alcaraz, Paula Badosa, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Spain will be led by Jaume Munar (No. 36) and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (No. 46). The winner of each group advances to the quarterfinals, along with the two best-placed runners-up based on ties won, sets, and games.