The 18-team United Cup, a combined WTA and ATP national team event, continues in Sydney and Perth. The top-seeded United States begins its round-robin stage against Canada, who defeated Croatia in their opening match in Perth.
Leylah Fernandez began her United Cup campaign with an impressive straight-sets victory over Donna Vekic of Croatia. Fernandez displayed control and discipline, avoiding her tendency to play overly aggressive. The 22-year-old from Montreal is currently ranked 31st in the world, with a career-high ranking of 13 in 2022. Fernandez famously reached the US Open final in 2021, where she lost to Emma Raducanu.
Coco Gauff concluded 2024 on a high note by winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh, her first-ever Finals title. Although she had an early exit at the US Open, Gauff bounced back with significant victories, including titles in Beijing and Riyadh, and a runner-up finish to Aryna Sabalenka in Wuhan. The 20-year-old Florida native is currently ranked 3rd in the world. This will be the first-ever meeting between Gauff and Fernandez, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
Taylor Fritz had the best season of his career in 2024. Fritz reached his first ever Grand Slam final at the US Open (lost to Sinner). Fritz also lost the final of the ATP Tour Finals in Turin to Sinner. Taylor won two titles last season: Delray Beach and Eastbourne. The 27-year-old from California is ranked at number four. Fritz won 53 and lost 23 matches last season.
Felix kind of started the 2025 season as he finished the last one. He lost after he won the first set and a break up in the second against a lesser-ranked opponent. Auger-Aliassime has so much potential; hopefully, he can reach more of it this season. The 24-year-old is ranked at the 29th spot in the world. Felix won 32 and lost 25 matches in 2024. Fritz is up two to nothing in the head-to-head. These two haven’t squared off since 2022.
