United Cup Tennis: America powers into semi-finals with win over China!”

Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz secured victories in their singles matches, propelling the United States into the semi-finals of the United Cup on Wednesday. Their wins also knocked China out of the tournament.

The USA now joins Kazakhstan in the semi-finals, following the completion of the group stage. Poland reached the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Czechia, while host Australia defeated Britain by the same score.

China’s chances of advancing suffered a blow when in-form Gao Xinyu had to withdraw from the field due to injury. Gao, ranked 175th, had been performing exceptionally in place of world number five Zheng Qinwen, securing wins over Beatriz Haddad Maia and Laura Siegemund. Zhang Shuai, ranked 205th, gave Gauff a tough challenge in Perth, breaking her serve three times in the first set. However, Gauff rallied to win 7-6 (4), 6-2 in 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Fritz then sealed the semi-final spot for the USA with a dominant 6-4, 6-4 victory over Zhang Zhizhen. The world number four served superbly and capitalized on Zhang’s errors to secure the win in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in Perth, Kazakhstan took advantage of Germany’s title defense setback, caused by the withdrawal of world number two Alexander Zverev due to a biceps strain. Replacing Zverev, Daniel Masur fought hard, but Alexander Shevchenko’s 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2 win put Kazakhstan through to the semi-finals. Earlier, Elena Rybakina, ranked sixth, led Kazakhstan by defeating Siegemund 6-3, 6-1, securing her third consecutive victory.

In Sydney, Iga Swiatek continued her strong form with a 6-3, 6-4 win over former French Open finalist Caroline Muchova. Swiatek’s victory kept Poland’s hopes alive, especially after Hubert Hurkacz’s loss to Tomas Machac. Swiatek and Hurkacz teamed up in the decisive mixed doubles, defeating Muchova and Machac 7-6 (3), 6-3, to top Group B and advance.