Coco Gauff says confidence is her key strategy to defeating Iga Swiatek at the United Cup final
Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek have faced off 13 times, with the latter having a commanding 11-2 head-to-head record lead.
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Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek (Images via X)
Coco Gauff has led the USA into their first United Cup final after two years. The American star proved again that she’s the frontrunner of the future of her country’s tennis. But she will face a tough test in Iga Swiatek for Team USA to actually accomplish the feat of winning the title and she’s full of confidence going against the World No.2.
On Saturday (January 4), five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek helped Poland secure a place in the United Cup final after Hubert Hurkacz had beaten Alexander Shevchenko. The 23-year-old beat Elena Rybakina 7-6 (5), 6-4 to secure a 2-0 victory over Kazakhstan. After that, the USA and Czech Republic faced off on the court.
Gauff led the charge against Karolina Muchova, delivering a scintillating performance to win 6-1, 6-4, and give the USA a 1-0 lead. Taylor Fritz and Tomas Machac faced off in a closely contested match. However, Machac struggled with cramps in the second set and was unable to continue, retiring with the score at 7-6(4), 5-6.
During the US team press conference, Gauff was asked what she will do to beat Swiatek in the final. The American revealed that her key strategy will be using the confidence she has had in her previous win against her.
I think just confidence. I was very confident in Riyadh. Yeah, I think when I’m playing confident tennis, that’s my best tennis. It makes it hard for her or anyone to really do anything. So tomorrow I’m just going to go out there and be confident.
Coco Gauff said at the press conference
The last time Gauff and Swiatek met each other was in the group stage of the WTA Finals. The American star won the tie 6-3, 6-4 and eventually went on to win the title.
Coco Gauff “super excited” about facing Iga Swiatek for the 14th time at the United Cup finals
Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek faced each other 13 times in the WTA. Swiatek has a commanding 11-2 lead over the American in their head-to-head record. Swiatek won their first six encounters before Gauff claimed her first win at the 2023 Cincinnati Open, but the Polish won the next four meetings before the WTA Finals.
Ahead of their 14th meeting, Gauff said during the aforementioned press conference that she feels positive about the tie. However, she admitted that it would be a tough match, and so has not thought much about it.
Yeah, I’m feeling great. I felt like I was playing good today. Obviously Iga is a tough opponent. I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it too much yet. But yeah, I think it’s going to be a great level of tennis and super excited to go out there tomorrow and hopefully bring the Cup back home.
Coco Gauff said
Swiatek and Gauff’s contest is set to be the first of three rubbers on Sunday (January 5), which will take place at the Ken Rosewall Arena. The clash will be followed by the men’s singles between USA’s Taylor Fritz and Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, before the the decisive mixed doubles rubber.
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Victor Okechukwu
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