Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff were the stars of the day for Team USA at the United Cup, delivering emphatic victories against Croatia to secure their spot in the quarterfinals as group leaders.
The 2024 US Open finalist opened with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over Borna Coric (No. 90), followed by Gauff’s 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Donna Vekic (No. 19)
Fritz opens with authority
The American world No. 4 entered as a heavy favourite against Coric, who has struggled in recent months, dropping out of major tournaments to compete in Challengers late in 2024. The match stayed competitive through the first half of the opening set, with both players holding serve comfortably.
In the eighth game, Coric began to feel the pressure, conceding the first break point of the match. Fritz seized the opportunity, taking the lead and securing the first set 6-3 with his serve.
The second set was smoother for the 2024 US Open runner-up, who broke Coric twice in succession to build a commanding 4-0 lead, extending his streak to six consecutive games won. Without significant resistance in the final stages, Fritz closed the match 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and 32 minutes.
Gauff secures victory for USA
Coco Gauff entered the second match with the task of sealing Team USA’s qualification. Facing Vekic, the Olympic silver medallist who had previously eliminated her from that tournament, the American showed her class early, breaking serve twice to establish a 4-1 lead.
Though Vekic managed to recover one break, it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. The world No. 3 delivered an impressive performance, landing 65% of her first serves and winning 73% of those points, closing the first set 6-4 in just under 56 minutes.
The second set was entirely under Gauff’s control. She quickly broke Vekic’s serve and never looked back, capitalizing on her opponent’s increasing errors. Gauff’s dominant serving saw her win 80% of her service points and 66% of total points played. The American finished with a one-sided 6-4, 6-2 victory, securing USA’s quarterfinal berth before the mixed doubles match was even played.
USA advances as Group A leaders and will face China in the quarterfinals. The Chinese team finished second in their group but advanced as the top runner-up from their city. Despite the late withdrawal of Zheng Qinwen, China managed to progress with Zhang Zhizhen leading the team.
Coco's on a roll 🇺🇸 @CocoGauff gets her revenge on Donna Vekic 6-4, 6-2 and clinches Team USA's win over Croatia 2-0. #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/8eYx4j8up6
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) December 31, 2024
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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