Gauff beats Fernandez to give USA 1-0 lead over Canada at United Cup

World No.3 Coco Gauff picked up right where she left off last season by defeating Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-2 to open Team USA’s campaign in Group A at the United Cup in Perth. In the first career meeting between the two young stars, the WTA Finals champion unleashed her power and speed to secure a physical win. 

United Cup: Scores | Draws | Order of Play

“Leylah played a great match,” Gauff said on court. “I knew going in it was going to be a tough match. Super happy with how I played and happy to get a point on the board for my team.”

Taylor Fritz will look to clinch the win for the top-seeded Americans when he takes on Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second singles match. Champions in the inaugural United Cup two years ago, the Americans are bidding to become the first country to win the team competition twice. 

Gauff’s court coverage, counterpunching, and growing confidence in her baseline power game proved too much for the similarly offensive-minded Fernandez. The 31st-ranked Canadian opened her United Cup with an upset win over Croatia’s Donna Vekic on Day 1.

After a pair of lengthy service games to open the duel, Gauff broke open the match with a break of serve to lead 2-1. With Gauff serving at 3-2, Fernandez earned her first break chances to level the set. But facing down a 15-40 deficit, Gauff unleashed an outrageous display of speed to wipe away the Canadian’s hope of a comeback and went on to confidently close out the set, aided by a 92 percent (11 of 12) win percentage behind her first serve.

Gauff continued her march to lead 3-0 in the second set and protected her lead to seal the win after 1 hour and 36 minutes.

Gauff was unbroken on the night, losing just four points behind her first serve (27 of 31) and saving the two break points she faced. 

More to follow…