World No. 3 Coco Gauff kicked off her 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, delivering a powerful statement at the United Cup in Perth. The American tennis star needed just 57 minutes to dismantle Argentina's Solana Sierra with a decisive 6-1, 6-1 victory, levelling the Group A tie for the defending champion United States team.
A Masterclass in Dominance
In her first match of the new year, Coco Gauff faced a debut encounter against the rising Argentine player. For Solana Sierra, this also marked her maiden match against a Top 10 opponent. The 21-year-old American left no room for doubt, storming to a 5-0 lead in the opening set with aggressive baseline returns and a solid serve. Despite saving two break points from Sierra, Gauff was in complete control, limiting her opponent to a mere seven points on serve throughout the first set. A brief moment of two double faults was quickly overcome as Gauff won four consecutive points to seal the set in just 30 minutes.
Unstoppable Momentum in the Second Set
The second set mirrored the first in its one-sided nature. Gauff maintained her perfect undefeated singles record at the United Cup, breaking Sierra's serve repeatedly while facing minimal resistance. This dominant performance, often called a 'double breadstick' win due to the 6-1, 6-1 scoreline, pulled Team USA level at 1-1 in the tie. This was crucial after Argentina's Sebastian Baez scored an upset victory over American Taylor Fritz in the earlier singles match.
Gauff's Optimistic Outlook and Fan Appeal
Speaking on court after her swift victory, Coco Gauff expressed optimism and a desire for further improvement. "I feel like I can play even better, too, which is even more exciting," she stated. She acknowledged the challenge of a season opener, especially against an opponent who had played a match the previous day. "I'm really happy with how I managed all those emotions," Gauff added.
Prior to the match, Gauff had also shared candid thoughts about fan support for American players abroad. She humorously noted that American tennis fans could be better at travelling to support the team, calling for more "red, white, and blue in the stands" during team competitions like the United Cup, while still expressing gratitude for neutral fans.
With the singles matches split, the fate of the USA-Argentina clash now rests on the deciding mixed doubles rubber. Coco Gauff is set to partner with Taylor Fritz to take on the Argentine duo of Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi. This strong start from Gauff sets a positive tone for Team USA's title defence in Group A, where their progression will hinge on upcoming results.
