Coco Gauff and Team USA started their United Cup campaign by beating Argentina 2-1 on Saturday, Jan. 3. Gauff won her singles match against Solana Sierra 6-1, 6-1, and then partnered with Christian Harrison for a straight-set mixed doubles win, sealing the opening victory for the defending champions.
After the match, Gauff fielded questions at a press conference. A journalist noted that the 21-year-old American had entered the 1 Point Slam at the Australian Open with other top players, such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek, among others.
“I didn’t, like (laughing) — yeah, they wanted me to. I’m not looking forward to it, but,” Gauff said.
One point and one million dollars at stake against some of the biggest names in tennis – we are HYPED for the 1 Point Slam 🤩
Tickets from $29 that you just don’t want to miss! 🎟 https://t.co/kJS081I8Wk pic.twitter.com/iHTklPCfhT
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 30, 2025
Other top players have also expressed skepticism about the event’s format and shown reluctance to participate. The winner-take-all structure pits top players against amateurs, with pros allowed only one serve and amateurs two serves.
A rock-paper-scissors match will determine who serves first. The winner will receive major prize money, while the top amateur will take home a new Kia car. Although fans are excited for this inaugural format, top players’ reactions remain mixed.
Coco Gauff Reflects on Her Mindset in Keeping Up With the Changed Format of the Australian Swing
At the same press conference, a journalist asked Coco Gauff about coping with the changes that have been introduced in the Australian swing, which mandate players to participate in a variety of events just days before the Australian Open.
“Yeah, I mean, I think especially it gets you in the mindset, like being ready. Also, I think it’s great for the sport to have these different things going on. Yeah, the 1 Point, we’ll see how I do. I’m not very confident in myself. But yeah, I think it’s great. Just promotes the more fun side of tennis,” Gauff replied.
“Obviously it’s going to get pretty serious later on, but I think it’s great for fanfare. Especially because our sport is really, be quiet and don’t move around too much. It gives the fans a little different perspective on the sport,” she added.
“Yeah, I try to make sure it’s just the right amount of things. I like to just do one thing and then after that I try to focus on the two weeks,” Gauff concluded.
The young star is expected to valiantly defend Team USA’s United Cup title from last year. She will be in action next on Monday, Jan. 5, when her team takes on Spain in its second Group A clash in Perth, Australia.
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