Taylor Fritz suffered a shock defeat to Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2026 United Cup, losing their clash 6-4, 7-5.
But his USA teammates spared his blushes, with the defending champions battling past Greece and into the United Cup semifinals.
Coco Gauff defeated Maria Sakkari in the opening quarterfinal match, but Fritz failed to continue that momentum against Tsitsipas.
However, the winning point was secured by Gauff and Christian Harrison, who beat Sakkari and Tsitsipas in the all-important doubles match.
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Taylor Fritz admits uncharacteristic errors in loss vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Analysing his defeat to his ATP rival, Fritz said: “Yeah, it was a bit of a weird one, because I felt like I was for the most part playing pretty well.
“I feel like I kind of had all the shots that I needed. What I was missing balls, they didn’t feel like, I guess, bad misses. They felt good. I felt like I was striking the ball well, serving well.
“He served really well the first set. Just kind of a tough game that I played to get broken, but I just felt really good about my game during the match.
“I kind of the whole time up until it was over felt like I was going to find a way and win the match, because like I said, I feel like everything was kind of working for me, but just some errors at some bad times. Just a bit unlike me.
“He played well, served really well when he was kind of down in games and needed it. But yeah, I mean, I had looks, and his serve games didn’t convert.
“Then when he got the chances on my serve, he took them. I just wasn’t as clean as I would like to be on some of those moments.”
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Taylor Fritz shocks Coco Gauff during United Cup doubles win
Fritz lost to Sebastian Baez in his opening match in Australia, but bounced back to overcome Spain’s Jaume Munar.
Looking to defend their title, the USA won the overall ties 2-1 on both occasions, and continued that theme against Greece.
The team aspect of the tournament has truly been alive and well for the USA, with that trend again continuing against Greece.
After winning her doubles match, Gauff explained: “I think it was a team effort, especially in the tiebreaker. I never thought I would get doubles advice from Taylor, but it was actually successful. I appreciate it.
“I think in those moments it’s important because literally in tiebreaks every point matters more so than maybe in a three-set format. Yeah, it definitely came down to the wire.
“So, yeah, I appreciate the whole team talking to us, pumping us up, and seeing things that maybe we couldn’t see on the court.”
The winners of Poland versus Australia will be up next for the USA, with Fritz facing a potential match against Hubert Hurkacz or Alex de Minaur.
Gauff could take on Iga Swiatek or Maya Joint, with the American having beaten the Pole in last year’s final, where Fritz beat Hurkacz.
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