Coco Gauff has made a very fine start to her 2026 season, having really impressed for the USA at the United Cup.
The USA lost their United Cup semifinal with Poland, but Gauff emerged victorious from her singles clash with Iga Swiatek.
The tie represented a repeat meeting of the 2025 United Cup final, in which the USA defeated Poland to lift the trophy.
This time around, however, Poland exacted revenge, with Swiatek then helping her nation win the final against Switzerland.
Coco Gauff hits her favorite shot against Iga Swiatek
But Gauff can be proud of her efforts in Australia, particularly her 6-4, 6-2 victory over familiar foe Swiatek.
During that victory, the American superstar hit a stunning two-handed backhand winner while flying through the air.
Sharing a slow-motion highlight of the shot on her Instagram story, Gauff wrote: “Def my favorite shot to hit. My version of a slam dunk lol not as climactic but still cool I think haha.”
Cool is definitely one of a number of words to describe the shot, which left Swiatek helpless and those watching on blown away.
Poland win United Cup after back-to-back heartbreak
The USA were aiming to win their third United Cup title in four years, but they fell just short against Poland.
After their superb victory over the defending champions, Swiatek and her teammates went on to beat Switzerland 2-1 in the final.
Swiatek suffered a surprise defeat to Belinda Bencic, but Hubert Hurkacz defeated Stan Wawrinka shortly after.
Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski then won the all-important doubles decider against Bencic and Jakub Paul.
The 2026 champions have now won at the third time of asking, having lost the 2024 United Cup final to Germany.
Gauff was named the Most Valuable Player last time out, with Switzerland’s Bencic claiming the honor this year.
READ MORE: Iga Swiatek addresses the shift in her rivalry with Coco Gauff after United Cup loss
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