Coco Gauff, currently ranked World No. 3, shared on Friday that she opted to begin her season at the United Cup instead of returning to Auckland, a venue where she has enjoyed success in the past. While the 20-year-old American has won the last two Australian Open tune-up tournaments in Auckland, she chose the United Cup for its higher level of competition and the opportunity to participate in team events again.
Gauff emphasized her enjoyment of the team dynamic, noting the fun she had during the Paris Olympics and the contrast it offers to the solitary nature of most tennis seasons.
The US team, which includes Gauff, is competing in the United Cup, a prestigious mixed-team tournament held in Perth and Sydney from December 27 to January 5. Gauff reflected positively on her past experience in Auckland, where she won twice, but expressed her desire for a different challenge this year.
"It was a great tournament," she said, but she feels that the United Cup provides a more competitive environment and allows her to connect with teammates. The main focus for Gauff, as with most players, is the Australian Open, where she aims to improve on her previous semifinal appearance in 2024.
The United Cup will see the US face Canada on Sunday, followed by a matchup against Croatia on December 31. After the tournament, Gauff will shift her focus to the Australian Open, set to begin on January 12. She is eager to build on her progress and hopes to make a deeper run in the 2024 edition of the Grand Slam.
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