Gauff drags US into United Cup semis as Swiatek also wins / Photo: COLIN MURTY - AFP
Gauff drags US into United Cup semis as Swiatek also wins
Coco Gauff pulled off double duty to drag defending champions the United States into the United Cup semi-finals on Wednesday while world number two Iga Swiatek did her bit for Poland.
Fourth-ranked Gauff, who suffered a surprise defeat last time out, put the United States on their way in their quarter-final against Greece with a 6-3, 6-2 win over former world number three Maria Sakkari in Perth.
Stefanos Tsitsipas brought Greece level by defeating struggling Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-5.
In the deciding mixed doubles, Gauff teamed up with Christian Harrison to battle past Tsitsipas and Sakkari 4-6, 6-4, 10-8.
The 21-year-old Gauff struggled with her serve as she suffered her first-ever defeat at the United Cup on Monday when she was stunned by Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
"Definitely a much better match today," Gauff said after making light work of Sakkari.
"Last match, I just tried to erase it. That's the beauty of this tournament.
"So definitely happy to give my team the lead today."
Six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek beat 97th-ranked Suzan Lamens 6-3, 6-2 in the tie against the Netherlands in Sydney.
Hubert Hurkacz, on his way back after being out for seven months following knee surgery, defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) as Poland sealed their last-eight spot.
Poland will play hosts Australia, with the winner facing the United States for a place in Sunday's final.
The mixed-team United Cup features 18 teams and serves as build-up towards the Australian Open, which starts on January 18.
G.Mahmoud--CdE
