Leylah Fernandez’s strong start at United Cup, preps for Coco Gauff clash: "We’re going to put on some good shows"

Leylah Fernandez is ready for her second match of the 2025 season, facing a tough challenge against World No. 3 Coco Gauff. The Canadian tennis player made her debut on December 28 at the United Cup against Croatia, where she secured a key singles victory over Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic (6-4, 6-3).

Later, the Europeans leveled the tie after Borna Coric made a great comeback against Felix Auger-Aliassime (0-6, 6-4, 6-4), sending the tie into a decisive mixed doubles match. Fernandez teamed up with Auger-Aliassime to defeat doubles specialists Lucija Ciric and Ivan Dodig.

Fernandez looking to build momentum ahead of Australian Open

The World No. 31 is no stranger to delivering strong performances while representing Canada. She led her country to the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup title and debuted with a win in the United Cup once again.

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After the Canadians' victory, the 2021 US Open finalist was pleased with her level of play in the season's opening and her win over a tough opponent like Vekic, who had a stellar 2024. "It definitely feels nice. To play against Donna, who has made the semifinals at Wimbledon and then silver in the Olympics, it's never easy to play someone who has that much confidence."

In her second group-stage match, they will face the USA on December 29, with the chance to advance to the semifinals if they win the tie. However, the favorites will be the Americans, who have World No. 3 Coco Gauff and World No. 4 Taylor Fritz as the singles players to beat.

"Playing against (Coco Gauff) is never easy. She's a tough opponent, a great competitor," the former World No. 13 added. "So hopefully we're going to have fun tomorrow and put on some good shows."

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Fernandez mentions that she decided to play the United Cup again to measure herself against some of the top players before the Australian Open, which starts in just a couple of weeks. "That's also one of the reasons why I decided to play the United Cup. It's not only the team atmosphere, but I'll be able to play against the top players, see where my level is at, see what improvements I can make in the next couple of weeks before the (Australian Open)," she concluded.

Just like in 2024, Fernandez decided the United Cup would be her last preparatory tournament for the Aussie Open. Once her participation with Canada is over, she will travel to Melbourne to fine-tune the last details before the year's first Grand Slam.

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