Coco Gauff led from the front as USA took one step into the latter stages albeit there are major concerns for a certain Taylor Fritz after he was defeated and is supposedly suffering with severe tendonitis.
Gauff did double duty at the United Cup and teamed with Christian Harrison to pencil the win sealing it 2-1 to defeat Argentina in Group A. Baez had given Argentina a surprise lead in the tie when he upset Taylor Fritz to seal a second top 10 win.
Albeit not all was as it seemed when it came to the leading male American who had some bad news when it came to future participation as he said during the coverage that supposedly he is suffering from pretty severe tendonitis.
But Gauff ensured that the United States made a winning start to their campaign at the mixed teams event in Perth. She defeated Solana Sierra and then joined forces with Christian Harrison to defeat Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi.
Gauff and Harrison dictated for large periods dominating the baseline exchanges and were sharper around the net winning after just over an hour. The USA are now 1-0 up in Group A and face Spain led by Jaume Munar and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Gauff started off against Solana Sierra as she eased into a 5-0 lead and saved two break point chances from Sierra. The Argentinian did get on the board holding serve but it was very much a foregone conclusion as she sealed the first set in just half an hour. The second set was a carbon copy as Gauff won 6-1 to secure the double breadstick victory.
“I feel like I can play even better too, which is even more exciting,” Gauff said on-court after the match. “It’s always tough starting the first match of the season, especially against an opponent like her and someone who played yesterday. I’m really happy with how I managed all those emotions.”
Before that Baez had upset Fritz 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. The 25-year-old defeated Jaume Munar in his opening match of the event on Friday and backed it up with one of his best ever displays wiping aside Fritz in two hours and 35 minute. This of course without the benefit of hindsight in regards to the condition of Fritz.
“I am so happy right now,” Baez said. “We have been searching for this feeling for many years and I am happy to give this point to Argentina. Thank you to the crowd. I felt very comfortable today.”
Baez had lost his previous five against Fritz but came from a set and a break down to give Argentina the lead. He saved a break point while serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set sealing the win with a volley. They had defeated Spain 3-0 in their opener.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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