In a dazzling display of resilience and determination, World No. 3 Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz powered Team USA into the semifinals of the 2025 United Cup. Their victories on Wednesday against formidable Chinese opponents Zhang Shuai and Zhang Zhizhen secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the quarterfinals, sending the American squad to Sydney with their championship dreams alive.
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Gauff’s Grit Shines in a Fierce Battle
Coco Gauff set the tone for Team USA in Perth, opening the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 7-6 (4), 6-2 win over Zhang Shuai. The 20-year-old American showcased her trademark tenacity, erasing three early breaks to clinch the first set in a nail-biting tiebreak before cruising to victory in the second.
Zhang Shuai, stepping into the spotlight after China’s group-stage standout Gao Xinyu was sidelined by injury, brought her A-game to the court. The 35-year-old veteran demonstrated aggressive baseline play and flat groundstrokes that kept Gauff on the defensive early in the match. Zhang’s depth of shot and relentless pressure saw her break Gauff three times in the opening set, but she was unable to consolidate her breaks—a factor that proved pivotal in the outcome.
“The harder I hit, the harder she was hitting,” Gauff admitted. “I felt like I couldn’t get her on defense. She was playing so aggressive on me, and I felt like I had to go more on my second serves, which brought in more double faults, but if I just put it in, it was a return winner. So I had to take my chances.”
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Gauff’s ability to adapt under pressure was on full display as she reeled Zhang in during the first set. A superb tiebreak performance, capped by a perfect lob winner, sealed the set after 59 grueling minutes. Riding the momentum, Gauff stormed to a 3-0 lead in the second set and never looked back, securing victory in 1 hour and 34 minutes.
The win marked Gauff’s third triumph over Zhang Shuai, improving her head-to-head record to 3-0. Reflecting on the match, Gauff expressed admiration for her opponent’s performance. “Against Shuai, I had to hit an ace to win the point. She was playing amazing tennis out there. Dennis [Kudla] was saying I dug it out—and that’s what it felt like. I was literally on the ground for most of the match.”
Fritz Dominates to Seal the Deal
With Gauff’s victory giving Team USA an early lead, Taylor Fritz stepped onto the court with the weight of the team’s expectations on his shoulders. The World No. 4 delivered in style, dismantling Zhang Zhizhen 6-4, 6-4 in just 1 hour and 19 minutes.
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Fritz’s dominant serving performance was the cornerstone of his victory. The American dropped only four points on serve throughout the match, neutralizing Zhang’s attempts to mount a comeback. Despite the pressure of following Gauff’s win, Fritz displayed composure and focus, leveling his head-to-head record with Zhang at 1-1.
“Coco did such a good job putting us ahead and giving me the chance to come out and put us through,” Fritz said after the match. “There was a little bit of pressure because I didn’t want to be the one who loses it for the team after Coco won all her matches this week. I played a really solid match. Really happy with it.”
Team USA Eyes Another Title
Team USA’s journey to the semifinals rekindles memories of their championship triumph in the inaugural United Cup two years ago. With a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience, the American squad looks poised to challenge for the title once again.
Their semifinal clash in Sydney will see them face Kazakhstan, who became the first team to secure a spot in the final four with a dominant performance earlier in the tournament. Led by Elena Rybakina, the Kazakh team has been in scintillating form, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.
The Road Ahead
As the United Cup progresses, the stakes continue to rise. For Gauff, Fritz, and their teammates, the semifinals represent both an opportunity and a challenge. The cross-country flight to Sydney will test their endurance, but the team’s unity and determination remain their greatest assets.
Gauff’s resilience and adaptability have been a hallmark of her game throughout the tournament, while Fritz’s consistency and powerful serving make him a formidable force. Together, they embody the fighting spirit of Team USA, inspiring confidence in their quest for another United Cup title.
As fans around the world tune in to witness the drama unfold, one thing is certain: Team USA is ready to rise to the occasion. With Gauff and Fritz leading the charge, the American squad has their sights set firmly on glory in Sydney.
