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United Cup 2024-25: Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz Lead USA Into Quarter-Final

The last meeting between the pair while representing their countries came at the Paris Olympics, with Vekic claiming a shock victory on her way to a silver medal, but Gauff was in control this time around

USA's Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff.

Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz were in fine form at the United Cup on Tuesday, clinching the United States a place in the quarter-finals by beating Croatia. (More Tennis News)

Fritz got the USA to the perfect start, cruising past Borna Coric in straight sets to prevail 6-3 6-2 in just over an hour and a half in Perth, registering his first-ever ATP win over the Croatian despite a shaky start.

Gauff then followed it up with an equally impressive win, getting the better of Donna Vekic 6-4 6-2 later on Tuesday.

The last meeting between the pair while representing their countries came at the Paris Olympics, with Vekic claiming a shock victory on her way to a silver medal, but Gauff was in control this time around.

"I'm really happy with how I played," Gauff said post-match.

"She's a great player, and the Olympics loss hurt, so I definitely was thinking about it as motivation to do better."

Gauff and Fritz then teamed up in the doubles to finish the round with a perfect 3-0 score, beating Ivan Dodig and Petra Marcinko 6-2 6-3.

The reigning champions, who saved all three break points they faced in the doubles match, qualified as Group A winners.

Meanwhile, Italy also booked their place in the quarter-final, with Flavio Cobolli fighting back from the verge of defeat to beat Ugo Humbert 3-6 7-6 (10-8) 6-2 and help them top Group D.

Humbert looked set to give France the advantage, having won the first set 6-3, he was serving for the match at 5-4 in the second before Cobolli flipped the script.

The Italian broke his serve to level the score before winning the tie-break and easing to victory.

"I think that we did a great match. It was a great battle to start the season, so I'm really happy about the match," Cobolli said.

"I think I played a really good match, and also it was tough to come back [against] Ugo. Congrats also for him and I wish him good luck for his season."

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Jasmine Paolini then followed that up with a comfortable 6-0 6-2 victory over Chloe Paquet, who had beaten this year's French Open and Wimbledon finalist in their only previous meeting in 2019.

"I'm happy with my performance. I was focused every time. I think [everything worked] pretty well," Paolini said.

"I'm happy, as well, that Flavio won an amazing match. Unbelievable. He was a set and break down. He turned the match. Unbelievable."

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori then ensured a clean sweep for Italy, holding on to claim a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) win in the doubles over Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Elixane Lechemia. 

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