USA’s top tennis stars Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz powered their team into the semifinals of the United Cup in Perth on Wednesday, overcoming a spirited challenge from China. The victories halted China’s impressive campaign, which had seen them emerge as the highest-placed group runner-up in Perth.
China’s hopes were dampened when in-form player Gao Xinyu was forced to withdraw due to injury. Gao had been instrumental in China’s success, stepping up in place of world No. 5 Zheng Qinwen and securing remarkable victories over Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia and Germany’s Laura Siegemund.
Zhang Shuai stepped in to replace Gao and delivered a valiant performance against world No. 3 Gauff at RAC Arena. Zhang broke Gauff’s serve three times in a tightly contested first set. However, Gauff, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, raised her game and showcased her powerful baseline play to win 7-6(4), 6-2 in one hour and 34 minutes.
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Reference(s):
cgtn.com
