The United States secured a place in the United Cup quarterfinals in Perth on Monday after a dramatic group-stage victory over Spain, capped by a decisive mixed doubles performance from Coco Gauff.
Gauff rebounded from a surprising singles loss earlier in the day by teaming up with Christian Harrison to defeat Spain’s Inigo Cervantes and Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers 7-6 (5), 6-0. The victory clinched the tie and eliminated Spain from the competition.
Earlier, Gauff suffered her first singles defeat at the United Cup, falling 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0 to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, ranked outside the world’s top 40. The result ended Gauff’s previously unbeaten United Cup singles record and confirmed she will relinquish her status as the top-ranked American player, with Amanda Anisimova set to move ahead in the rankings.
The tie remained in the balance after Gauff’s loss until Taylor Fritz produced a resilient performance to defeat Jaume Munar 7-6 (4), 3-6, 7-6 (6) in a match lasting more than three hours. Fritz saved a match point in the deciding tiebreak and required a medical time-out during the third set after injuring his toe.
With the mixed doubles result securing top spot in Group A, the United States advanced to the quarterfinals as defending champions. The Americans are seeking their second United Cup title in three years.
Gauff, who helped the U.S. win the tournament last season, is expected to refocus ahead of the Australian Open, which begins later this month. Despite the singles setback, her composed response in the deciding match underscored the depth and resilience of the American team.
