World No. 3 Coco Gauff announced that she has chosen to begin her 2025 season at the United Cup rather than the ASB Classic in Auckland, where she has previously found great success. The 20-year-old U.S. Open champion highlighted the United Cup’s higher level of competition and the unique experience of playing in a team format as key factors in her decision.
“I love Auckland. I won twice there, and it was a great tournament,” Gauff said. “But I wanted to play a higher level of competition and also experience team play again. The season is mostly individual, so it’s refreshing to mix it up.”
The United Cup, a $10 million mixed-team event held from December 27 to January 5 in Perth and Sydney, offers Gauff the chance to build momentum ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on January 12. The U.S. will open their campaign against Canada on Sunday and face Croatia on December 31.
Reflecting on her goals, Gauff added, “I think for all of us the main focus is the Australian Open and doing well there.” The young star aims to surpass her 2024 semi-final performance at Melbourne Park as she continues her upward trajectory in the sport.
