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

World no. 3 Coco Gauff picked up 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 victory.

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

Taylor Fritz will look to get the better of the top-seeded Americans when he takes on Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second singles match. Champions of 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, counterstroke 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 a dull win over Croatia’s Donna Vekic on Day 1.

After a couple of long service games to open the duel, Gauff broke the match with a break of serve to lead 2-1. With Gauff serving at 3-2, Fernandez had his first break chances to level the set. But trailing 15-40, Gauff unleashed a ferocious display of speed to snuff out the Canadian’s hopes of a comeback and went on to confidently close out the set, aided by a 92 per cent (11 of 12) winning percentage after her first. serve.

Gauff continued his march to lead 3-0 in the second set and protected his lead to secure the victory after 1 hour and 36 minutes.

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

More to follow…