Coco Gauff says what she thinks about Donna Vekic and Leylah Fernandez ahead of potentially facing them at the United Cup

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Coco Gauff is back in action this week, with the American representing Team USA at the 2025 United Cup.

Chris Eubanks thinks Gauff will carry the USA burden at the United Cup in Australia, alongside ATP Tour star Taylor Fritz.

Gauff and Fritz are the highest-ranked players for their nation, with the USA drawn alongside Canada and Croatia in Group A.

Eubanks thinks Gauff will become world number one, with the latter currently sitting in third place in the WTA rankings.

The 2023 US Open champion finished her season on a high, with Gauff emerging victorious at the WTA Finals.

What Coco Gauff thinks about WTA rivals Donna Vekic and Leylah Fernandez

She now turns her attention to team tennis, with Gauff expected to take on Donna Vekic and Leylah Fernandez in Perth.

Sharing verdicts on the duo ahead of the United Cup, Gauff said on The Tennis podcast: “Donna I played her at the Olympics this year and I lost.

“She is a very aggressive player, she has a great forehand and she can hit winners from any part of the court. I think that is going to be a tough match.

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“Leylah I have never played her before but I have known her since I was like 11 years old. We were playing juniors together, so this will be our first time playing on the pro scale.

“I’m super excited for that. I think she is a super fast, athletic player and she’s a lefty, which is not common on tour at all. So both matches are very tough matches to start the year off but I am looking forward to them.”

What are the groups for the 2025 United Cup?

Gauff will get her 2025 United Cup going against Fernandez on Sunday, with Fritz also set to be in action against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The American duo will undoubtedly be using the tournament, which involves singles and doubles matches, as preparation for the 2025 Australian Open.

Denis Kudla and Robert Galloway join Fritz as Team USA’s men’s players at the United Cup, with Gauff joined by Danielle Collins and Desirae Krawczyk.

Following Sunday’s opener against Canada, the nation take on Croatia on Tuesday as they bid to reach the knockout stages.

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After holidays and pre-season training, both Fritz and Gauff have arrived in Australia for the competition, which also involves the likes of Alex de Minaur, Alexander Zverev, Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek.