In a move that signals a changing of the guard in American tennis, Coco Gauff has officially been named the co-captain (alongside Taylor Fritz) for Team USA at the 2026 United Cup. This announcement confirms that Gauff, now a two-time Grand Slam champion following her 2025 French Open triumph, is ready to transition from a young phenom into the definitive leader of American tennis.
The tournament, which kicks off on January 2, 2026, in Perth and Sydney, will see Gauff lead the defending champion U.S. squad into a fierce “Group A” battle against Spain and Argentina.
The “Leader by Example” Strategy
While the title of “captain” often goes to a veteran coach, the United Cup’s unique mixed-gender format allows for active players to spearhead the strategy. Gauff’s appointment isn’t just honorary—it is a tactical acknowledgment of her 2025 dominance. During the 2025 edition, Gauff went an undefeated 5–0 in singles, practically carrying the U.S. to the trophy.
By taking on the captaincy, Gauff is expected to:
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Orchestrate Mixed Doubles: Gauff is one of the few elite singles players who is also a World No. 1 in doubles. Her ability to pair with Taylor Fritz or a specialist like Nicole Melichar-Martinez gives Team USA a “nuclear option” in deciding matches.
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Mentor the Next Gen: At just 21, Gauff is already a mentor. She will be guiding teammates like Mackenzie McDonald and Varvara Lepchenko through the high-pressure Perth environment.
A Star-Studded 2026 Field
Gauff isn’t the only superstar embracing a leadership role. The 2026 United Cup is shaping up to be the most competitive iteration yet:
| Nation | Lead Players | Notable Storyline |
| USA | Coco Gauff / Taylor Fritz | Defending champions and Top Seeds. |
| Poland | Iga Świątek / Hubert Hurkacz | Seeking revenge after 2025 finals loss. |
| Japan | Naomi Osaka / Shintaro Mochizuki | Japan’s historic debut in the tournament. |
| Great Britain | Jack Draper / Emma Raducanu | A “fresh start” line-up of young British stars. |
The Perth “Death Group”
Gauff’s leadership will be tested immediately. Team USA has been drawn into Group A, which will play its round-robin matches at the RAC Arena in Perth.
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Match 1 (Jan 3): USA vs. Argentina (Night Session)
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Match 2 (Jan 5): USA vs. Spain (Day Session)
While Spain will be missing Carlos Alcaraz (who is playing an exhibition in Korea), Gauff will face a rising star in Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, a matchup that analysts believe will showcase Gauff’s improved “biomechanical” serve, refined late in 2025 with specialist Gavin MacMillan.
Redefining the “Next Chapter”
This captaincy is the culmination of a massive 2025 for Gauff. Beyond her French Open and WTA Finals titles, she launched Coco Gauff Enterprises, taking full control of her business and philanthropic ventures. Stepping into the captaincy for Team USA is the athletic equivalent of her business move—it’s about taking “ownership” of her influence.
“I’ve always been the ‘kid’ on the team,” Gauff remarked following the draw. “But winning the title in 2025 showed me that I can help my teammates as much as they help me. Leading the red, white, and blue is the highest honor.”
As the tennis world descends on Australia, all eyes won’t just be on Gauff’s forehand—they’ll be on her clipboard.
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