Defending United States came from behind to pull off a 2-1 win over Argentina in their Group A clash in the United Cup in Perth on Saturday night.
After Sebastian Baez had given Argentina a surprise lead by upsetting World No.6 Taylor Fritz for his second Top 10 win, the ever-reliable Coco Gauff did double duty by winning her singles game and then teaming up with Christian Harrison to earn full points for her side.
Despite the Baez blip, Gauff ensured the United States made a winning start to their campaign at the mixed-teams event. She defeated Solana Sierra and then joined forces with Harrison to clinch a decisive 6-4, 6-1 victory against Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi.
In an impressive doubles display, Gauff and Harrison dictated for large periods. They dominated the baseline exchanges and were sharper around the net to prevail after 63 minutes. The United States are 1-0 in their group and will next play Spain.
Gauff’s meeting with Sierra was the first encounter between the two on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz, and Sierra’s first-ever top 10 matchup in her career.
“I feel like I can play even better too, which is even more exciting,” Gauff said on-court after the match. “It’s always tough starting the first match of the season, especially against an opponent like her and someone who played yesterday. I’m really happy with how I managed all those emotions.”
With a pair of break points and three holds of serve, Gauff sprinted out to a 5-0 lead, and she saved two break-point opportunities of Sierra’s. The Argentinian No. 1 did get on the board, much to the delight of the Perth crowd, with a hold of serve in the sixth game.
After two double faults, Gauff regrouped and won four consecutive points to take the first set in just a half hour, which she limited Sierra to just seven points on her serve.
The second set would be a replica that saw Gauff, who went undefeated in singles at last year’s United Cup, win 6-1 and secure the double breadstick victory.
Baez upsets United States’ Fritz
Earlier, Baez upset World No. 6 Fritz 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. The 25-year-old defeated Spain’s Jaume Munar in his opening match at the mixed-teams event on Friday and backed that up with one of the best performances of his career against Fritz, who showed signs of rustiness throughout the two hours and 35-minute clash.
“I am so happy right now,” Baez said. “We have been searching for this feeling for many years and I am happy to give this point to Argentina. Thank you to the crowd. I felt very comfortable today.”
Baez had lost his previous five Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings against Fritz but rallied from a set and a break down to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. The No. 45 player in the PIF ATP Live Rankings crucially saved a break point when serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set, sealing victory with a simple volley into the open court. Argentina defeated Spain 3-0 in its opening Group A tie.
