Fritz and Gauff Build United Cup Legacy in Perth
Team USA’s Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff arrive in Perth chasing a third United Cup title in four years, blending star power with team depth against early tests from Spain and Argentina.
In Perth’s sun-drenched hard courts, where the bounce favors deep returns and aggressive net play, Team USA opens the United Cup 2026 with eyes on dynasty status. The format’s mix of singles, doubles, and deciding rubbers rewards nations with balanced rosters, turning individual flair into collective firepower. For Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff, both Top 10 staples, the Group A clashes against Spain and Argentina set the tone for a campaign that could cement American dominance.
Fritz, starting at No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings, draws energy from team events, where the shared stakes sharpen his big serve and transition game. Last year’s final against Hubert Hurkacz—a third-set tiebreak won on a snaking down-the-line backhand—remains a mental cornerstone, the crowd’s roar amplifying his focus amid the pressure.
“I think it plays to the strengths of our country,” Fritz said. “I think we have such amazing women’s players. Coco’s first year was just last year, and obviously we won it beforehand, as well. The first year we had it with the top two men and top two women, I think that favours our country even more in that kind of format. it’s great to just feel like we have such a strong team all throughout. For me personally, I’ve always felt like I play a lot better in the team competitions.”
That clinching moment lingers as he prepares for Perth’s faster surface, where his 1–2 pattern—serve followed by inside-out forehand—could exploit Spain’s baseline grinders. The psychological boost of team celebrations, he adds, turns solo tension into unified momentum, essential for the tight schedule ahead.
Fritz channels final’s tiebreak fire
The memory of edging Hurkacz replays vividly for Fritz, each point in that tiebreak a lesson in holding serve under duress. On Perth’s courts, he anticipates longer rallies against Argentina’s fighters, using slice approaches to disrupt their topspin loops and create openings for volleys. This tactical edge, honed in team formats, positions him to deliver again when the decider falls his way.
“It was a really cool moment to clinch that, with the occasion as well, in a third-set tie-breaker, and for the United Cup,” Fritz reflected. “I think winning in the team events is always more fun, because you have the whole team to kind of celebrate with afterwards.”
Gauff, the 21-year-old powerhouse, returns after a flawless singles streak last year, not dropping a set in five matches—a run built on explosive returns and court coverage that overwhelmed foes. The mixed-teams setup suits her, easing preseason rust into a blend of fun and focus, especially against Spain’s varied attacks.
Gauff turns pressure into shared wins
Her aggressive style thrives on hard courts like Perth’s, where deep crosscourt forehands force errors in extended exchanges. Last year’s nerves gave way to poise, and now she aims to replicate that arc, her speed neutralizing underspin slices and setting up one–two combinations in doubles. As USA leans on her depth, Gauff’s mental shift from solo anxiety to team reliance could spark early victories.
“Coming off preseason and being able to start the year in a team environment, it’s like the perfect mix of pressure and having fun,” Gauff said. “Last year I remember being super nervous, because I didn’t want to let anyone down, but I was able to come out of that and do pretty well. I’m hoping to be able to do the same.”
The top seeds have entered the chat in Perth! pic.twitter.com/fxwUQic9KG
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 2, 2026
Italy enters Group C with fresh confidence from Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup triumphs, their depth a tactical weapon on the same Perth hard courts. Flavio Cobolli, reflecting on saving seven match points against Zizou Bergs in Davis Cup heroics, brings that resilience to singles, emphasizing serve-volley shifts against France’s aggression.
Cobolli’s partner, Wimbledon and Roland Garros finalist Jasmine Paolini, starts at No. 8 in the PIF WTA Rankings and eyes improvement after two wins last year. With new coach Sara Errani, her net approaches gain precision, countering the surface’s pace in mixed ties.
“Winning the Davis Cup was a dream,” Cobolli said. “it’s a great thing for all the country, for the foundation. We are happy to represent Italy every day. [After the victory] I’m more confident in my tennis, for sure. But the season is different. Now is the time to be focussed and start well because last year I didn’t. We’ve prepared for the season very, very hard, and we are training a lot. We are ready to start.”
“it’s another year, another year of experience,” Paolini said. “Hopefully I can bring those experiences to this year and try to keep the level to improve things in my game. That’s the goal.”
“It was the moment to say officially, to recognise her role in the team. I’m really happy about that. I think she really understands tennis and she really can help our team to perform better.”
Wawrinka embraces final season’s edge
Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka, a three-time major champion in his last professional year after more than 20 on Tour, adds emotional depth to Group C alongside Belinda Bencic. His backhand down-the-line remains lethal on Perth’s courts, a farewell weapon in ties that blend legacy with team support. The format’s intimacy softens retirement’s weight, fueling his focus against Italy’s momentum.
“it’s going to be special, but it’s going to be my last year after more than 20 years on Tour,” Wawrinka said. “It’s going to be really special playing all these tournaments that I play so many times for one last time. For me, I’m just grateful to be able to play those tournaments again one last time, one more time, to see all the fans around the world. I’m super happy also to discover new cities like here, Perth.”
France, captained by former World No. 10 Lucas Pouille, taps into a storied team tradition, his 2017 Davis Cup final clincher a blueprint for resilience. Pouille’s leadership fosters quick adjustments, like underspin passes to counter Wawrinka’s power, vital in the group’s tactical battles.
“We’ve always had a lot of players to compete in this competition,” Pouille said of France. “We were able to win the Davis Cup a couple of times. We are always present in this kind of competition, a team competition, and I really hope that we can make France proud this year at the United Cup.”
Quokkas + Beach = A lovely day out with Team GB 🇬🇧@WestAustralia #WAtheDreamState pic.twitter.com/wXfjHqYLmJ
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 31, 2025
Great Britain features in Perth with 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu debuting under Tim Henman‘s guidance, joined by Billy Harris for his second year. The team vibe eases her into the season’s grind, her inside-in forehands adapting to doubles synergies amid off-court bonds.
“I think it’s a great way to start the year being part of a team environment,” Raducanu said. “it’s a little bit easier to settle into the year, which is so competitive and individual. it’s nice to share this with the team. We all get on really well and have been having a great time off the court and on the court. it’s nice to be a part of that, and it’s such a change from what we usually do. I’m just really happy to represent GB and have the opportunity to also play in such a beautiful place and see Perth.”
As ties unfold from January 2, 2026, the United Cup tests mental fortitude across nations, from USA’s title pursuit to Wawrinka’s poignant close. Perth’s energy sets a rhythm that carries to Sydney, where tactical poise and emotional highs will decide if dynasties rise or rivals disrupt the script.
