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  • Australian Open: USA’s Taylor Fritz stunned by veteran Gaël Monfils, who ‘inspired’ wife Elina Svitolina to own upset win




    CNN
     — 

    French veteran Gaël Monfils rolled back the years to stun the USA’s No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday, winning 3-6 7-5 7-6(1) 6-4 after three hours and eight minutes of scintillating tennis.

    The 38-year-old Monfils becomes the second-oldest male player in history after Roger Federer to reach the fourth round Down Under since the Australian Open moved to Melbourne Park in 1988, per the ATP.

    During the very next match in the same Margaret Court Arena, Elina Svitolina, Monfils’ wife, ousted the women’s world No. 4, Jasmine Paolini, to complete a dream day for the family.

    Monfils watched Svitolina’s win from her players’ box as the Ukrainian 28th seed also came from a set down to win 2-6 6-4 6-0 and reach the fourth round.

    “It was a crazy battle. I got inspired after my husband’s win,” Svitolina said.

    “I watched a little bit of that match, of course it was tough to miss.”

    Monfils, a 13-time winner on the ATP Tour, sealed his victory on a booming ace – his 24th of the match – and proceeded to celebrate with a shimmy and a dance on-court, his moves and infectious smile drawing huge cheers from the crowd.

    “I felt good. I felt in this moment I wanted to do that (dance),” Monfils told reporters. “I wanted to be myself. I had this in my mind so I just did what as in my mind. It was my way to express my joy.

    “As I always say, I keep playing for those matches. Play a big player, big stadium, good crowd, good energy. When you’re 38 years old, it’s what I want and I had it. I was very fortunate to win it but it’s exactly why I’m playing.”

    It was a near-perfect performance of skill, power and wit from Monfils after dropping the first set.

    Fritz was unable to get to grips with Monfils’ varied game from the baseline, while the Frenchman’s serve was at times an unstoppable weapon.

    Elina Svitolina won later on the same court.

    Monfils, the world No. 41 and former world No. 6, is enjoying an incredible run to start his 22nd season on the tour; last week, he won the ASB Classic in Auckland to become the oldest player to ever win an ATP Tour title.

    However, despite his early success in 2025, Monfils doesn’t believe he’s a contender at the Australian Open.

    “Win?” he replied, wide-eyed with surprise when asked if he could win the title. “No. To be honest with you, it’s not even a dream to win the tournament. My dream is to be old with a lot of kids and healthy.

    “That’s your dream, I guess, for me to win a slam,” he joked. “My dream is to have an unbelievable family. Tennis is cool, of course you want to have goals and dreams, but my dream is out there.”

    Despite Fritz’s defeat, there remains a healthy contingent of US participants in the tournament, with Monfils facing American Ben Shelton in the fourth round on Monday.

    Elsewhere, American teenage qualifier Learner Tien defeated France’s Corentin Moutet 7-6 (10) 6-3 6-3 to continue his dream run in Australia.

    The 19-year-old, who had never before been past the first round of a slam, stunned fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in the previous round and will face Lorenzo Sonego on Monday.

    No. 21 seed Ben Shelton also reached the fourth round with a 6-3 3-6 6-4 7-6(5) win over Italy’s No. 16 seed Lorenzo Muzetti, while unseeded 20-year-old American Alex Michelsen upset No. 19 seed Karen Khachanov 6-3 7-6(5) 6-2.

    In the women’s draw, Madison Keys won the all-American clash against Danielle Collins 6-4 6-4, while Emma Navarro beat Ons Jabeur 6-4 3-6 6-4.



    The Australian Open has kicked off with some surprising upsets, and one of the most shocking results came in the match between USA’s Taylor Fritz and veteran player Gaël Monfils. Monfils, known for his athleticism and shot-making abilities, managed to stun Fritz in a thrilling encounter.

    What made the win even more special was the fact that Monfils’ wife, Elina Svitolina, was also in action on the same day and managed to pull off her own upset victory. Monfils later revealed that Svitolina’s win had inspired him to give his best on the court, and it clearly paid off.

    Monfils’ victory serves as a reminder of the experience and skill that veteran players bring to the court, often causing upsets against younger opponents. It also highlights the importance of support from loved ones, as Svitolina’s success seemed to have a positive impact on her husband’s performance.

    As the Australian Open continues, fans can expect more thrilling matches and unexpected results, making this tournament a must-watch for tennis enthusiasts around the world.

    Tags:

    1. Australian Open
    2. Taylor Fritz
    3. Gaël Monfils
    4. Elina Svitolina
    5. Tennis
    6. Upset Win
    7. Veteran Player
    8. USA
    9. Inspiring
    10. Australian Open Upset

    #Australian #Open #USAs #Taylor #Fritz #stunned #veteran #Gaël #Monfils #inspired #wife #Elina #Svitolina #upset #win

  • Gael Monfils rallies to upset Taylor Fritz at Australian Open


    Jan 18, 2025, 01:39 AM ET

    MELBOURNE, Australia — Gael Monfils joined Roger Federer as the only men to reach the Australian Open’s fourth round at age 38 or older since the tournament field expanded to 128 players in 1988, coming back to beat No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4 on Saturday.

    After punctuating his victory with a 134 mph ace — his 24th of the afternoon, doubling Fritz’s total — Monfils did a celebratory dance at the baseline while thousands of fans at Margaret Court Arena roared, many waving French flags.

    He started his season with a title at a hard-court event in Auckland, New Zealand, which made him the oldest man to win a tournament since at least 1990.

    “Just fortunate. But every day is different. We work hard. I try to be very disciplined with the recovery. I am a strong believer [in] myself. Strong belief I can do some damage,” said Monfils, who has never been past the quarterfinals in Melbourne but did reach two major semifinals, most recently at the 2016 US Open. “With a little luck, here we are in the second week of the Australian Open.”

    Federer was a slightly older 38 when he reached the semifinals at Melbourne Park in 2020, which turned out to be his last appearance at the tournament.

    Monfils next will take on a much younger opponent, No. 21 Ben Shelton of the United States, who is 22. The 21st seed and a US Open semifinalist in 2023, Shelton defeated No. 16 Lorenzo Musetti of Italy 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5)

    Playing his usual brand of charismatic, entertaining tennis in front of a loud crowd Saturday, Monfils compiled an impressive ratio of 58 winners to 34 unforced errors and dropped only one service game. And though Monfils won 11 of the 15 points he finished at the net, Fritz was only 16-for-30 when he pushed forward.

    “I’ve done the job,” Monfils said.

    Fritz, 27, the runner-up to Jannik Sinner at the US Open in September, became the highest-seeded man to exit the bracket at Melbourne Park this year. Fritz’s right foot was treated by a trainer during the match.

    The result ended a 12-match losing streak for Monfils against top-five players at Grand Slam tournaments.

    Monfils’ wife, Elina Svitolina, played in the same stadium Saturday night — and also pulled off a victory over a fourth-seeded foe, besting two-time Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 6-4, 6-0.

    “I warmed up the court for her,” Monfils said prior to Svitolina’s match.

    At the other end of the age spectrum, a pair of young Californians who have been pals for a while and trained together in the offseason — Learner Tien, 19, and Alex Michelsen, 20 — earned debuts in the fourth round at a major. Ben Shelton, who is 22, won, too. No. 1 Jannik Sinner, however, eliminated American Marcos Giron 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and will next face No. 13 Holger Rune, who beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-7 (5), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

    Tien, a qualifier ranked 121st, followed up his surprising win against No. 5 Daniil Medvedev in a five-setter that ended at 3 a.m. on Friday with a 7-6 (10), 6-3, 6-3 victory over Corentin Moutet of France. Michelsen, who is ranked 42nd, overwhelmed No. 19 seed Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-2. It was the second time Michelsen knocked off a top-20 seed this week after beating No. 11 Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 2023 Australian Open runner-up, in the first round.

    Michelsen will try to send another high seed packing when he plays No. 8 Alex de Minaur, an Australian who beat No. 31 Francisco Cerundolo 5-7, 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-3. Tien faces 55th-ranked Lorenzo Sonego of Italy, a 6-7 (3), 7-6 (6), 6-1, 6-2 winner over Fabian Marozsan.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.



    In a stunning comeback, Gael Monfils rallied to upset Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open. The Frenchman showed incredible resilience and determination as he fought back from a two-set deficit to claim victory in five thrilling sets.

    Monfils, known for his flashy and dynamic style of play, dazzled the crowd with his athleticism and shot-making prowess. Despite facing a younger and higher-ranked opponent in Fritz, Monfils never wavered in his belief that he could turn the match around.

    With the win, Monfils advances to the next round of the tournament, where he will look to continue his impressive run and make a deep run in Melbourne. His performance against Fritz serves as a reminder of his talent and ability to compete with the best players in the world.

    Fans can expect more electrifying matches from Monfils as he continues his quest for glory at the Australian Open. Stay tuned for more updates on his progress in the tournament.

    Tags:

    1. Gael Monfils
    2. Taylor Fritz
    3. Australian Open
    4. Tennis
    5. Upset
    6. Rallies
    7. Sports
    8. Professional tennis
    9. Grand Slam
    10. Tennis match

    #Gael #Monfils #rallies #upset #Taylor #Fritz #Australian #Open

  • Fritz e Musetti out, Sonego vola agli ottavi


    Tutto semplice, invece, per Iga Swiatek, che prosegue il suo percorso netto in questi Australian Open: nessun set perso e punteggi netti, come nel 6-1, 6-0 su Emma Raducanu. La britannica cede in 1h10′ e la polacca avanza agli ottavi di finale, dove sfiderà una rivale alla portata: la tedesca Lys elimina la rumena Cristian, che aveva sconfitto Bronzetti, col punteggio di 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Nessuna difficoltà anche per Elena Rybakina (6), col 6-3, 6-4 sull’ucraina Yastremska (32), mentre scatta l’eliminazione a sorpresa per Beatriz Haddad Maia. La brasiliana, testa di serie numero 15, si fa sorprendere da Kudermetova (6-4, 6-2). Duello molto intrigante, negli ottavi, tra Emma Navarro (8) e Daria Kasatkina (9): la statunitense ha la meglio su Ons Jabeur in tre set (6-4, 3-6, 7-5), la russa sconfigge Putintseva (24) col punteggio di 7-5, 6-1. 



    In a surprising turn of events, top seeds Fritz and Musetti have been knocked out of the tournament, while Sonego soars into the quarterfinals. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the tennis world. #Sonego #Upsets #QuarterfinalsBound

    Tags:

    1. ATP tennis news
    2. Italian Open updates
    3. Lorenzo Sonego
    4. Fritz vs Musetti match
    5. Sonego advances to quarterfinals
    6. Italian Open results
    7. Tennis match analysis
    8. Italian players in action
    9. ATP tournament highlights
    10. Italian Open round of 16

    #Fritz #Musetti #Sonego #vola #agli #ottavi

  • Australian Open Day 3: Andrey Rublev upset by Brazilian teen; Americans Taylor Fritz, Emma Navarro, Ben Shelton advance


    Andrey Rublev of Russia reacts during his first round match against Joao Fonseca of Brazil during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

    Andrey Rublev, seeded ninth, lost to 18-year-old qualifier Joao Fonesca in the first round of the Australian Open. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

    Round 1 of the 2025 Australian Open is officially in the books. The final day of early play contained an unexpected early exit as well as unexpected success for two teenagers looking to make their mark on the first Grand Slam of the year.

    In a round of few upsets, Tuesday saw perhaps the most surprising. Russian Andrey Rublev, seeded ninth, was upset by qualifier Joao Fonseca, an 18-year-old from Brazil. He stormed into his Grand Slam main draw debut, stunning Rublev 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-6(5) in two hours and 23 minutes. Fonseca came into Round 1 on a 14-match winning streak and won over the crowd with his easy power and unshakable confidence. He’s just the second teenager since 1973 to beat a top-10 player in his first Grand Slam match.

    “I just enjoyed every moment on this amazing court, it’s my first time playing in a huge stadium,” Fonesca said after the match. “I want to thank this amazing crowd. There are some Brazilians here… a lot of Brazilians here cheering for me!

    “I was trying to not put pressure on myself, playing with a top-10 guy in a huge stadium. [I was] trying to call the crowd to help me. I just enjoyed playing my game.

    “That’s one thing about myself, is that I play better in the important points, I go for my shots. That was the difference today.”

    Fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev had to stare down his own possible early exit against Kasidit Samrej of Thailand. Medvedev won the first set, but Samrej won the next two. Unable to make any more mistakes, Medvedev rose to the challenge in the final two sets, easily finishing off Samrej and winning 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. He’ll face unseeded American Learner Tien in the second round.

    It was a good day for Americans in the top 32, though curiously they all had to defeat other Americans to make it through to the second round. Taylor Fritz, the No. 4 seed, defeated his unseeded countryman Jenson Brooksby 6-2, 6-0, 6-3. Emma Navarro, seeded eighth in women’s singles, had a bit more trouble against fellow American Peyton Stearns. Navarro needed three hours and 20 minutes to defeat Stearns, but she managed to do it, winning 6(5)-7, 7-6(5), 7-5.

    No. 19 Madison Keys also faced an American, Ann Li, and claimed a 6-4, 7-5 victory. And Ben Shelton, seeded 21st, took down Brandon Nakashima in a tough three-setter, winning 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-5. American wild-card entry Iva Jovic, who is playing in her second Grand Slam at just 17 years old, defeated Nuria Parrizas Diaz of Spain to advance to the second round.

    Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina, seeded fourth and sixth, respectively, both sailed through their Round 1 matches. Paolini defeated Chinese qualifier Sijia Wei 6-0, 6-4, while 2022 Wimbledon champ Rybakina took care of 17-year-old Emerson Jones 6-1, 6-1 in just 53 minutes. Rybakina will face yet another 17-year-old in Round 2, taking on Jovic.

    Ons Jabeur, unseeded in Melbourne, is looking to get her groove back after a punishing 2024. Once the No. 2 women’s singles player in the world, she is now ranked 39th after starting 2024 at No. 6. She faced Anhelina Kalinina on Tuesday and emerged with a straight-sets 6-3, 6-3 win in just 72 minutes. If this is the beginning of her journey back to the top, it couldn’t have started any better.



    The third day of the Australian Open brought some surprising upsets and impressive performances from American players.

    One of the biggest shocks of the day came in the men’s singles draw, where Russian star Andrey Rublev was upset by Brazilian teenager Thiago Seyboth Wild. The 19-year-old Wild put on a stunning display of power and precision to defeat the 7th seed Rublev in straight sets, sending shockwaves through the tournament.

    On the American front, there were plenty of positives to take away from Day 3. In the men’s singles, Taylor Fritz put on a dominant performance to advance to the next round with a straight-sets victory over his opponent. Meanwhile, in the women’s singles, rising star Emma Navarro continued her impressive run with a hard-fought win to secure her spot in the next round.

    In the junior competition, American youngster Ben Shelton also impressed with a convincing win to advance to the next round and keep his hopes alive in the tournament.

    Overall, Day 3 of the Australian Open was filled with exciting matches, unexpected results, and impressive performances from players around the world. The competition is heating up, and fans can expect more thrilling tennis action in the days to come.

    Tags:

    1. Australian Open Day 3
    2. Andrey Rublev upset
    3. Brazilian teen
    4. Taylor Fritz
    5. Emma Navarro
    6. Ben Shelton
    7. Australian Open upsets
    8. American players advance
    9. Tennis news
    10. Grand Slam updates

    #Australian #Open #Day #Andrey #Rublev #upset #Brazilian #teen #Americans #Taylor #Fritz #Emma #Navarro #Ben #Shelton #advance

  • Australian Open Best Bet: Gael Monfils vs. Taylor Fritz


    The one thing to worry about with Monfils is fatigue. He played five matches in his title run in Auckland, and his opening-round match against Mpetshi Perricard was very physical. That’s a lot for an older player, and we did see him gasping for air and doing his classic hands-on-knees pose against Altmaier. But some of that is just gamesmanship, and he tends to tap into his mobility and athleticism even when he looks like he’s running on empty. Also, the Altmaier match only took two hours and 20 minutes. That straight-set win should help him recharge a little for this one.

    It’s also worth mentioning that these two played in this very tournament back in 2019, when Fritz won 6-3, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5). Sure, Fritz is a much better player today than he was then. But Monfils is also playing better to start 2025 than he was in 2019.

    I’m not sure this match will look all that different than the last one. These two aren’t exactly servebots, but they’re going to rack up holds. So, when we get late in sets and get to coin-flip tiebreakers, I like Monfils’ chances of avoiding a straight-set loss.

    Pick: Over 3.5 Sets (-121)



    The Australian Open is heating up and one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament is between Gael Monfils and Taylor Fritz. Both players have been in impressive form and this match is sure to be a thriller.

    Gael Monfils is known for his athleticism and flashy style of play, while Taylor Fritz is a rising star in the tennis world with a powerful serve and solid baseline game.

    In terms of betting, the best bet for this match would be to go with Gael Monfils. Monfils has a wealth of experience on the big stage and his ability to cover the court and retrieve seemingly impossible shots makes him a tough opponent for anyone.

    While Taylor Fritz is a talented player, he may struggle to keep up with Monfils’ speed and defensive skills. Monfils also has a winning record against Fritz, which gives him a mental edge going into this match.

    Overall, Gael Monfils is the safer bet in this matchup. However, with both players in top form, this match could go either way. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action at the Australian Open!

    Tags:

    Australian Open, Gael Monfils, Taylor Fritz, tennis, match, betting, prediction, Australian Open 2021, sports, tournament, players, odds, favorites, live betting, Grand Slam, Melbourne, Australia

    #Australian #Open #Bet #Gael #Monfils #Taylor #Fritz

  • Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff send United States to United Cup final | ATP Tour

    Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff send United States to United Cup final | ATP Tour


    United Cup

    Fritz, Gauff send United States to United Cup final

    United States and Poland to meet for the trophy

    January 04, 2025

    Taylor Fritz is the No. 4 player in the PIF ATP Rankings.

    Peter Staples/ATP Tour

    Taylor Fritz is the No. 4 player in the PIF ATP Rankings.
    By ATP/WTA Staff

    The 2023 United Cup champion, the United States, is one match from claiming another trophy at the mixed-teams event.

    After Coco Gauff began her country’s semi-final tie against Czechia with a comprehensive victory against Karolina Muchova, Tomas Machac was in great position to level the tie for his country against Taylor Fritz. But from serving for the match at 7-6(4), 5-3, the No. 25 player in the PIF ATP Rankings lost three consecutive games to World No. 4 Fritz and then abruptly retired.

    “He said he’d been cramping for a couple games already. I didn’t notice, but yeah,” Fritz said in his on-court interview with Mark Petchey. “He was moving pretty well, but I guess he was playing through it, fighting. It’s really humid in here.

    “That’s something I was thinking was a possibility if I could win that set, take it to a third I was thinking maybe someone might start cramping later on. It’s tough conditions, it was a physical match.”

    After losing the first three games of the match, Machac seized control, playing with controlled aggression and the occasional flair to put Fritz on the back foot. He earned 10 break points in the match, converting two of them according to Infosys ATP Stats.

    But Fritz broke the Czech’s serve at 3-5 in the second set to stay alive and that proved critical in the pair’s second Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting (the American was victorious in five sets at Roland Garros in 2020).

    As has happened in previous matches in Sydney, Czech captain Daniel Vacek massaged his player’s legs during a changeover. But on this occasion, it was not enough to prevent Machac’s retirement.

    The United States will now take on Iga Swiatek, Hubert Hurkacz and Poland on Sunday for the trophy.

    “It’s great to be back. That was a crazy match, very physical and it’s not the way that I that I guess I want to win,” Fritz said. “But I think we’re all happy that we’re back in the final again.”

     

    Earlier, World No. 3 Gauff engineered a dominant performance Saturday to move the United States to within a point of advancing to the United Cup final. Gauff raced through a 6-1, 6-4 victory over No.22 Karolina Muchova to improve to a perfect 4-0 against the talented Czech.

    “It’s never easy against Karolina,” Gauff said. “The whole match I was intense and focussed and I think that made the difference today. Happy to get my team off to a a good start here in Sydney.” 

    Gauff was prophetic when she looked ahead to the challenge her countryman Fritz faced against Mahac.

    “It’s a tough match, Machac is a great player,” Gauff said. “I have full confidence in Taylor. He’s a great player, he has one of the best mindsets on Tour. I don’t take that lightly. After spending time with him at the Olympics on the mixed court, and then today and this past week, this is just the beginning. That’s why today I have a lot of confidence he’ll pull out the win. And if not, I’ll be ready to play mixed.”

    The Americans took home the title two years ago in the event’s inaugural edition, with Fritz partnering Jessica Pegula to deliver the win.

    Entering Saturday night’s showdown at Ken Rosewall Arena, Gauff had never lost a set to Muchova, winning all six contested. Showing no signs of fatigue from the cross-country trip from Perth, Gauff came out of the gates hot and confident. She needed less than 10 minutes to build a 3-0 lead and closed out the opening set by saving two break points in her final game.

    Gauff led 4-2 in the second set before Muchova settled in and broke the American’s serve for the first time, doing it in style with a pitch-perfect volley. But Gauff’s baseline defence proved too much for Muchova. The Czech handed the break back with an errant game and Gauff served out the 90-minute win.



    Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff showcased their incredible talent and determination as they led the United States to the United Cup final.

    Fritz, the rising star of American tennis, put on a masterclass performance as he defeated his opponents with ease, displaying his powerful serves and impeccable groundstrokes. His impressive win streak helped propel the United States to the final, where they will face off against a formidable opponent.

    On the other hand, Gauff, the teenage sensation, proved once again why she is considered one of the brightest prospects in women’s tennis. Her tenacity and skill on the court were on full display as she dominated her matches and secured crucial victories for her team.

    Together, Fritz and Gauff have united the nation in support of their incredible performances and unwavering determination. Fans are eagerly anticipating the final match, where they will undoubtedly continue to shine and lead the United States to victory in the United Cup.

    Tags:

    Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, United States, United Cup final, ATP Tour, tennis, sports, American tennis players, tennis tournament, mixed doubles, finals, champions, Team USA, professional athletes, competition, victory, success, athletes, tournament play

    #Taylor #Fritz #Coco #Gauff #send #United #States #United #Cup #final #ATP #Tour

  • Gauff, Fritz drive Team USA into United Cup semifinals with clutch wins

    Gauff, Fritz drive Team USA into United Cup semifinals with clutch wins


    World No. 3 Coco Gauff battled past China’s Zhang Shuai 7-6 (4), 6-2 to give Team USA an early lead in the United Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. Taylor Fritz followed with a dominant serving performance, defeating Zhang Zhizhen 6-4, 6-4 to secure an unassailable 2-0 advantage for the Americans.

    United Cup: Scores | Draws | Order of Play

    Champions of the United Cup two years ago, Team USA will join Kazakhstan on the crosscountry flight to compete in the semifinals in Sydney. 

    Gauff set the tone for the United States on New Year’s Day in Perth, opening the United Cup quarterfinals with a gritty comeback against Zhang Shuai. The 20-year-old American erased three early breaks to take a hard-fought first set before cruising to victory.

    Zhang, stepping into singles action after China’s group-stage standout Gao Xinyu was sidelined by injury, delivered inspired play, but the 35-year-old veteran ultimately couldn’t hold off Gauff.

    With her flat groundstrokes and aggressive baseline positioning, Zhang kept Gauff pinned behind the baseline with her depth of shot. She confidently broke Gauff in the first game of the match but, as would be her undoing in the opening set, failed to consolidate her break. Zhang broke Gauff three ties in the opening set, but was broken back each time, including as she served for the set at 6-5. 

    “The harder I hit, the harder she was hitting,” Gauff said. “I felt like I couldn’t get her on defense. She was playing so aggressive on me and I felt like I had to go more on my second serves, which brought in more double faults, but if I just put it in it was a return winner. So I had to take my chances.”

    Gauff reeled Zhang in and played a superb tiebreak to secure the first set after 59 minutes, capping it with a perfect lob winner to set up her set points. She carried that momentum into the second set, jumping to a 3-0 lead and holding serve to seal the hard-fought victory in 1 hour and 34 minutes. The win improved Gauff’s record against Zhang to 3-0.

    “Against Shuai, I had to hit an ace to win the point,” Gauff said. “She was playing amazing tennis out there. Dennis [Kudla] was saying I digged it out — and that’s what it felt like. I was literally on the ground for most of the match.”

    Fritz, ranked No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings, dropped only four points on serve during his 1-hour, 19-minute win.

    “Coco did such a good job putting us ahead and giving me the chance to come out and put us through,” said Fritz, who leveled the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head record at 1-1.

    “There was a little bit of pressure because I didn’t want to be the one who loses it for the team after Coco won all her matches this week. I played a really solid match. Really happy with it.”

     

     



    In a thrilling display of talent and determination, Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz led Team USA to victory in the United Cup quarterfinals with their clutch performances. Gauff, the rising star of American tennis, showcased her resilience and skill in a nail-biting singles match, while Fritz dazzled fans with his powerful serves and strategic play.

    Their impressive victories not only secured Team USA’s spot in the semifinals but also highlighted the depth of talent within the American tennis community. With Gauff and Fritz leading the charge, Team USA is poised to make a strong push for the United Cup title.

    Stay tuned for more exciting matches as Team USA continues their quest for glory in the United Cup semifinals. Go #TeamUSA! #UnitedCup #CocoGauff #TaylorFritz #TennisChampions

    Tags:

    1. Gauff
    2. Fritz
    3. Team USA
    4. United Cup
    5. Semifinals
    6. Clutch wins
    7. Tennis
    8. Sports
    9. USA athletes
    10. Team performance

    #Gauff #Fritz #drive #Team #USA #United #Cup #semifinals #clutch #wins

  • Taylor Fritz serves past Zhang, seals SF spot for USA at United Cup | ATP Tour

    Taylor Fritz serves past Zhang, seals SF spot for USA at United Cup | ATP Tour


    Match Report

    Fritz serves past Zhang, seals SF spot for USA at United Cup

    Americans knock out China, book ticket to Sydney

    January 01, 2025

    Taylor Fritz defeats Zhang Zhizhen at the 2025 United Cup.

    Colin Murty/Getty Images

    Taylor Fritz defeats Zhang Zhizhen at the 2025 United Cup.
    By ATP/WTA Staff

    Taylor Fritz tied the bow Wednesday on a perfect start to 2025 for Team USA, which sealed its spot in the United Cup semi-finals.

    The No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings produced a serving clinic to defeat Zhang Zhizhen 6-4, 6-4 and move Team USA to an unassailable 2-0 lead against China in Perth. Fritz offered no let up throughout the one-hour, 19-minute match, during which he dropped just four points behind his serve.

    “Coco did such a good job putting us ahead and giving me the chance to come out and put us through,” said Fritz, who levelled the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head record at 1-1. “There was a little bit of pressure because I didn’t want to be the one who loses it for the team after Coco won all her matches this week. I played a really solid match. Really happy with it.

    “… I felt like I’ve gotten better with each of the matches I’ve played and this match tonight definitely felt like I was back in the flow of how things were feeling at the end of the year.”

    Fritz’s victory, his seventh at the event, backed up Coco Gauff’s straight-sets triumph over Zhang Shuai. Champions of the United Cup two years ago, USA has joined Kazakhstan on the cross-country flight to compete in the semi-finals in Sydney, where it will face Italy or Czechia.

     

    It wasn’t just Fritz’s vastly improved serve that was causing Fritz damage. The reigning US Open and Nitto ATP Finals runner-up carved out nine break points with his relentless ballstriking, converting on two occasions to seal a comprehensive quarter-final tie in USA’s favour.

    “Towards the end of last year I made a lot of improvements to my game and I started to believe in the average level I felt I could produce every day was enough to beat a lot of the higher-ranked guys who before I thought I had to play incredible to beat,” Fritz said.

    Earlier, World No.3 Gauff was made to work by China’s Zhang Shuai but the 20-year-old American prevailed 7-6(4), 6-2 to give USA an early lead.

    “Against Shuai, I had to hit an ace to win the point,” Gauff said. “She was playing amazing tennis out there. Dennis [Kudla] was saying I digged it out and that’s what it felt like. I was literally on the ground for most of the match.”

    “The harder I hit, the harder she was hitting,” Gauff said. “I felt like I couldn’t get her on defense. She was playing so aggressive on me and I felt like I had to go more on my second serves, which brought in more double faults, but if I just put it in it was a return winner. So I had to take my chances.”

    Gauff extended her perfect United Cup debut with a gritty effort in the first set to come from a break down three times to upend Zhang’s inspired play. The 35-year-old veteran stepped into singles after China’s surprise hero during the group stage, Gao Xinyu, was forced to stand down due to injury.

    With her flat groundstrokes and aggressive baseline positioning, Zhang kept Gauff pinned behind the baseline with her depth of shot. She confidently broke Gauff in the first game of the match but, as would be her undoing in the opening set, failed to consolidate her break. Zhang broke Gauff three ties in the opening set, but was broken back each time, including as she served for the set at 6-5.

    Having reeled Zhang in, Gauff played an outstanding tiebreak to seal the set after 59 minutes, striking a perfect lob winner to set up her set points. Gauff took her momentum into the second set, racing out to a 3-0 lead and protecting her serve to close out the hard-fought win after 1 hour and 34 minutes. With the victory, Gauff improved her record against Zhang to 3-0.

    In her third appearance in the USA United Cup team, Desirae Krawczyk teamed up with debutant Robert Galloway to play her first match in the event. The American duo overcame Zhang and Sun Fajing 6-3, 6-7(1), 10-3 to make it a 3-0 sweep in the quarter-final tie before they head to Sydney.





    In a thrilling match at the United Cup, Taylor Fritz showcased his powerful serves and strategic play to defeat Zhang and secure a spot for Team USA in the semi-finals. Fritz displayed his incredible athleticism and skill, dominating the court and leaving fans in awe of his performance.

    With this impressive victory, Fritz has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour. His precision and determination on the court have solidified his place among the top players in the world.

    Congratulations to Taylor Fritz on his well-deserved win and best of luck to Team USA in the upcoming semi-finals at the United Cup! #TaylorFritz #TeamUSA #UnitedCup #ATPTour

    Tags:

    1. Taylor Fritz
    2. Zhang
    3. United Cup
    4. ATP Tour
    5. USA
    6. Tennis
    7. Semifinals
    8. Taylor Fritz vs Zhang
    9. United Cup semifinals
    10. ATP Tour news

    #Taylor #Fritz #serves #Zhang #seals #spot #USA #United #Cup #ATP #Tour

  • Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz lead U.S. into United Cup semifinals again


    Team USA is back into the United Cup semifinals. The Americans, the 2023 tournament champions, swept China 3-0 on New Year’s Day in Perth on the strength of two straight-sets wins by Top 5-ranked duo of Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz.

    World No. 3 Gauff kicked things off with a gritty 7-6(4), 6-2 win over Zhang Shuai, before Fritz clinched the tie with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Zhang Zhizhen. Doubles players Desirae Krawczyk and Robert Galloway finished off the sweep with a 6-3, 6-7(1), 10-3 win over Zhang Shuai and Sun Fajing in mixed doubles.

    Gauff came from a break down three times in the first set against Zhang Shuai, a former Top 30 player who famously ended a 24-match losing streak last fall to revitalize her career. But after the veteran failed to serve out the first set at 6-5, Gauff wrestled momentum away with a lightning-quick start to the tiebreak. She won five of the first six points en route to sealing it, and never trailed in the second set after pushing out to a 3-0 lead.

    “Shuai was playing amazing tennis out there. I was literally on the ground for most of the match. The harder I hit, the harder she was hitting,” Gauff said of the 35-year-old veteran, who stepped in to play singles after group-stage hero Gao Xinyu—who herself was a replacement for Zheng Qinwen—was forced out with injury.

    “I felt like I couldn’t get her on defense. She was playing so aggressive on me and I felt like I had to go more on my second serves, which brought in more double faults. But if I just put it in it was a return winner so I had to take my chances.”



    In a thrilling display of talent and determination, rising tennis stars Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz have once again led the United States into the United Cup semifinals. The dynamic duo showcased their skills and teamwork as they secured crucial victories for Team USA, solidifying their position as key players in the tournament.

    Gauff, known for her powerful serves and fearless play on the court, delivered clutch performances to help propel the team to victory. Meanwhile, Fritz’s steady play and strategic approach proved invaluable in securing crucial points for the team.

    With their impressive performances, Gauff and Fritz have once again proven themselves as formidable competitors on the international stage. As they continue to lead the charge for Team USA, fans can’t help but be excited for what the future holds for these two talented young players.

    Stay tuned as Gauff, Fritz, and the rest of Team USA look to make a strong push for the United Cup title in the upcoming semifinals. Let’s go, Team USA! #UnitedCup #TeamUSA #CocoGauff #TaylorFritz

    Tags:

    Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, United Cup, semifinals, U.S. tennis, American tennis players, international tennis tournament, sports news

    #Coco #Gauff #Taylor #Fritz #lead #U.S #United #Cup #semifinals

  • Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff seal United Cup QF berth for USA | ATP Tour

    Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff seal United Cup QF berth for USA | ATP Tour


    Match Report

    Fritz, Gauff seal United Cup QF berth for USA

    USA defeat Croatia 3-0 to top Group A, faces China in QFs

    December 31, 2024

    Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff defeat Ivan Dodig and Petra Marchinko at the United Cup in Perth.

    Will Russell/Getty

    Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff defeat Ivan Dodig and Petra Marchinko at the United Cup in Perth.
    By ATP/WTA Staff

    Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff had it all figured out Tuesday, when they guided USA back to the United Cup quarter-finals with a win against Croatia.

    The No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings Fritz eased to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Borna Coric in Perth, ensuring USA top Group A and qualify for the quarter-finals. Fritz had lost each of his four previous Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings with Coric, but adjusted well to swing the tie against Croatia in USA’s favour.

    Gauff then notched a dominant win over Donna Vekic to wrap up the tie before teaming up with Fritz to secure their second mixed doubles triumph of the week.

    “I feel like I’m a completely different player from when we have played in the past,” said Fritz of his singles win. “It’s great to get that win, especially after the other day [where I was] a set and break up [against Auger-Aliassime].”

     

    Coric, the former No. 12 in the PIF ATP Rankings, caused Fritz trouble in the early stages with the variety he was injecting into the contest. Yet the big-hitting American bided his time and carved out the only break point of the first set in a crucial seventh game, which he converted by inserting some variety of his own. A chipped return allowed himself into the point to force an error and serve out the opener.

    Fritz, the reigning US Open and Nitto ATP Finals runner-up, asserted his dominance in the second set. In the 2024 season, the 27-year-old held a 44-2 win-loss record when taking the first set, and appeared in no mood to let that run of form drop when he raced to a 4-0 lead with a double break.

    Coric forged a miraculous comeback win over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Saturday, and he started to ignite hope into the Croatian fans inside RAC Arena right at the death. With Fritz serving for the match, Coric carved out his first two break points of the match, but American swiftly responded to seal the one-hour, 31-minute win.

    The last time Gauff faced Donna Vekic with both players representing their respective nations, it was the Croatian who scored an upset victory on her way to winning the silver medal at the Paris Olympics in August.

    Yet there was no such surprise in Perth: Gauff was a comprehensive 6-4, 6-2 winner over Vekic to clinch the Americans’ second victory in as many round-robin ties at the United Cup.

    “I’m really happy with how I played today,” Gauff said post-match. “She’s a great player, and the Olympics loss hurt, so I definitely was thinking about it today as motivation to do better.

    After quickly establishing a 4-1 lead to start the match, Gauff cooled off any hopes Vekic had for a comeback under the heat of the midday sun inside RAC Arena by winning eight of the last 11 games. The American emphatically rounded into form on serve in the second set, dropping just four points behind her delivery in all.

    But the 1-hour and 29-minute victory was window dressing for Team USA as far as its immediate future prospects in the competition was concerned, as Taylor Fritz’s earlier 6-3, 6-2 win over Borna Coric already ensured that the 2023 United Cup champions qualified for the quarterfinals as Group A winners, where they will face China.

    Fritz and Gauff then sealed a 3-0 win for USA with their 6-2, 6-3 victory over Ivan Dodig and Petra Marcinko. The Americans saved each of the three break points they faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats, and broke their opponents serve on four occasions.





    In a thrilling display of talent and determination, Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff have secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the United Cup for Team USA. Both players put on impressive performances to help their team advance in the prestigious tournament.

    Fritz showcased his powerful serves and aggressive play to defeat his opponent and secure a crucial win for Team USA. Gauff, on the other hand, displayed her incredible speed and shot-making abilities to dominate her match and help her team secure the victory.

    With their impressive performances, Fritz and Gauff have proven themselves to be valuable assets to Team USA and have shown that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Fans can expect more thrilling matches from these two talented players as they continue to represent their country in the United Cup.

    Congratulations to Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff for their outstanding performances and for helping Team USA secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the United Cup! Let’s continue to cheer them on as they strive for success in the tournament. #TeamUSA #UnitedCup #TaylorFritz #CocoGauff #Tennis

    Tags:

    Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, United Cup, quarterfinal, USA, ATP Tour, tennis, American players, mixed doubles, doubles, hardcourt, tournament, professional athletes, sports, victory, teamwork, competition, international event

    #Taylor #Fritz #Coco #Gauff #seal #United #Cup #berth #USA #ATP #Tour

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