Coco Gauff reveals what she was telling herself during USA’s deciding doubles match at the United Cup

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Coco Gauff made a very positive start to the 2026 season with victories in both singles and doubles at the United Cup.

Gauff knew that she needed to win both of her matches to secure victory for the USA against Argentina, after Taylor Fritz lost to Sebastian Baez in the opening rubber of the tie.

The world number three made a very impressive start, with Gauff thrashing Solana Sierra in her opening match of the year.

There was still work to do for Gauff, who was required for USA’s deciding doubles match against Argentina.

What Coco Gauff was telling herself in USA’s doubles match at the United Cup

As well as being one of the best singles players on the WTA Tour, Gauff is also a former doubles world number one and won the French Open alongside Katerina Siniakova in 2024.

However, in recent years Gauff has parted ways with partner Jessica Pegula and significantly reduced the amount of doubles she plays.

Despite this, Gauff was able to team up with Christian Harrison to beat Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi, 6-4 6-1.

After securing victory for her nation, Gauff spoke in USA’s post-match press conference where she was asked about how she felt playing doubles for the first time since August, where she revealed that she usually feels like the worst player during mixed doubles matches.

“Yeah, honestly I was, like, kind of hyping myself up,” said Gauff. “Yeah, I feel like I just haven’t played in a while, so you never know how to expect.

“Then I remind myself, like, I had had good results in doubles even though I don’t maybe play, but obviously winning the slam and being No. 1, yeah, twice, I was telling myself, reminding myself of that on the court. I was, like, don’t forget who you are.

“Whenever I play mixed, I feel like the worst player on the court most times, but today I didn’t feel like that (laughing).”

How far will Coco Gauff go at the 2026 Australian Open?

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Gauff was then further questioned on these comments, and asked if she was telling herself that she was a Grand Slam champion ahead of the match, to which she confirmed she was after feeling nervous.

“Yeah, at the beginning of the match, because I was a little bit nervous just, because I felt like they had played together the day before, and then Christian and I have never played together,” added Gauff.

“Honestly this is our first real time meeting each other here, so you never know how that’s going to go. Honestly, I felt on the court like we’ve been playing for a long time.”

Where will Coco Gauff be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?

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Coco Gauff’s impressive record at the United Cup

Gauff made her debut at the United Cup last year, helping the USA win the title for a second time with a flawless performance.

This included winning two doubles matches, as well as a final victory for Gauff over Iga Swiatek, who she had previously struggled against.

The two-time Grand Slam singles champion has continued her 100% record in 2026, and has now won all nine matches she has played in the competition.

Gauff will look to continue this record in USA’s next tie against Spain, where she will play world number 41 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro for the first time.

This tie will take place on Monday, January 5, with USA knowing that victory over Spain will send them into the quarterfinals once again.