Coco Gauff says Taylor Fritz gave her 'secret advice' during crucial United Cup win

Wednesday, 07 January 2026 at 18:00

byJordan Reynolds

Coco Gauff's status as one of the WTA's best players doesn't prevent her from appreciating help from teammates. Taylor Fritz provided that at the United Cup.

Gauff and Fritz's Team USA faced Team Greece on Wednesday in the United Cup quarterfinals. The Americans are the defending champions and also won 2023's edition of the popular mixed event.

In the opening match, Gauff comfortably defeated Maria Sakkari, but Stefanos Tsitsipas then played superbly to overcome Fritz. That meant qualification was decided in a doubles battle between Gauff and Christian Harrison and Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

A dramatic contest went down to the wire. Gauff and Harrison narrowly prevailed 10-8 in a deciding set tiebreak after showing slightly better composure when it mattered most than their opponents.

In a post-tie press conference with Team USA, Gauff revealed that the team environment was crucial to winning the doubles, saying that Fritz gave her unexpected guidance that proved helpful.

"I think it was a team effort, especially in the tiebreaker. I never thought I would get doubles advice from Taylor, but it was actually successful. I appreciate it."

"I think in those moments it's important because literally in tiebreaks every point matters more so than maybe in a three-set format. Yeah, it definitely came down to the wire. So, yeah, I appreciate the whole team talking to us, pumping us up, and seeing things that maybe we couldn't see on the court."

Naturally, the reporter asked what the advice was, but Gauff did not want to reveal it in case it helps her and the team in their upcoming semifinal and final if the Americans progress that far.

"I mean, it worked, so we'll keep it a secret."

Team USA was the pre-tournament favorite, and getting to the semifinals means they have lived up to that billing. However, the defending champions have shown vulnerabilities, including Gauff also bailing Fritz out in singles and doubles in the group stage.

Coco Gauff caused controversy with her comments about American fans

Coco Gauff is one of the most celebrated athletes in her country. The 21-year-old's background, passion for social causes, and personality make her a favorite among millions in the U.S. and worldwide.

That love from American fans was put at risk when Gauff commented in a United Cup press conference that U.S. supporters were the worst at turning out to support their country's players, and those from smaller nations do it much better.

After a furious backlash from many fans, Gauff clarified that she did not expect anyone to travel specifically for tournaments and was referring to American fans already at tournaments, whether home or abroad, who do not cheer for their countrymen and women.

That reality, which is undoubtedly true, may be partially due to the number of top players the Americans have. Smaller countries that have one or a handful of ATP and WTA stars to follow find it more special.

Brazilian fans are the best example. Joao Fonseca has received extraordinary support at several tournaments, and Beatriz Haddad Maia also gets passionate support in many of her matches.