Coco Gauff and Christian Harrison delivered a stunning mixed doubles victory to propel the United States into the semifinals of the United Cup. Their comeback win against Greece’s top players, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari, kept the American team’s title defense alive.
After dropping the first set 4-6, Gauff and Harrison rallied to take the second 6-4 and clinched the match with a tense [10-8] super tiebreak. The Americans bounced back from a 6-1 deficit in the tiebreak, winning four of the final six points to secure the crucial win. This marked their third consecutive mixed doubles victory in the tournament.
Earlier in the quarterfinals, Gauff set the tone with a commanding singles victory over Maria Sakkari, winning 6-3, 6-2. This extended Gauff’s winning streak against Sakkari to three matches and gave the United States an early advantage. Gauff’s performance showed significant improvement, as she delivered a consistent serve and limited her double faults.
The match stats highlight her service recovery, with 68 percent of first serves landing in and 76 percent of those points won. This was a strong turnaround compared to her previous struggles, where she had tallied 14 double faults just days prior. Her victory marked her 245th career win, underscoring her rising status in the sport.
Tsitsipas responded by defeating World No. 9 Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-5 to level the quarterfinal tie. It was Tsitsipas’ first top-10 win in over a year and demonstrated his return to form, highlighted by aggressive serving and tactical precision. This victory raised his United Cup singles record to 9-2.
The United States now prepares to face the winner of the Poland vs. Australia quarterfinal in Sydney. Meanwhile, Switzerland and Argentina will contest the other semifinal spot in Perth. The upcoming matches will determine which country will challenge for the United Cup trophy.
Gauff’s resilience proved pivotal for the American team, especially following her self-described “worst match” earlier in the tournament. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset despite setbacks. “I tried to erase it and learn from it,” Gauff said after her win, reflecting on her prior defeat.
Maria Sakkari, ranked No. 52 in the PIF WTA Rankings, experienced a setback after a promising start to the week, which included wins over Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu. For the 30-year-old former top-five player, rebuilding momentum at a major mixed team event remains vital.
Looking ahead, Gauff could face either Australia’s Maya Joint or Poland’s Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. Gauff had bested Swiatek in last year’s United Cup final, adding an intriguing dynamic to a potential rematch. The semifinals will be a critical juncture in the United States’ pursuit of a third United Cup title in four years.
This mixed doubles success highlights the strength of the American team’s depth and adaptability. Gauff and Harrison’s ability to perform under pressure reinforces their importance in team competitions. Their victory also demonstrates the value of mixed doubles in deciding close ties in international tennis events.
Read more at: www.wtatennis.com
