Coco Gauff put the United States on her back to haul the defending champions into the United Cup semi-finals, delivering in both singles and mixed doubles on a decisive night in Perth.
The world No. 4 set the tone by brushing aside Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2, shaking off the shock of her first-ever United Cup defeat earlier in the week.
Greece hit back when Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-5, forcing the tie into a winner-takes-all mixed doubles showdown.
Once again, it was Gauff who rose to the moment.
Partnering with Christian Harrison, the 21-year-old battled past Tsitsipas and Sakkari 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 to send the United States through.
“Definitely a much better match today,” Gauff said. “I erased the last one, that’s the beauty
of this tournament.”
In Sydney, Iga Swiatek did her part for Poland, beating Suzan Lamens 6-3, 6-2 before Hubert Hurkacz sealed qualification with a straight-sets win over Tallon Griekspoor.
Poland will face hosts Australia in the semi-finals, with the winner set to meet the United States for a place in Sunday’s final, as the United Cup builds toward the Australian Open.
(with AFP inputs)
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