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Gauff's aerial backhand wows in epic US vs Poland clash
12 Jan
Summary
- Coco Gauff achieved a remarkable victory over Iga Swiatek.
- Gauff executed a stunning mid-air, two-handed backhand winner.
- Poland avenged their previous final loss to the USA in the United Cup.
Coco Gauff kicked off her 2026 season with a strong showing at the United Cup, representing the USA. Although the USA team was eliminated in the semifinals by Poland, Gauff emerged victorious from her singles match against Poland's Iga Swiatek. This encounter was a repeat of the prior year's United Cup final, which the USA had won.
Despite the team's defeat, Gauff's individual performance was a highlight, notably her dominant 6-4, 6-2 win over Swiatek. During the match, she executed a breathtaking two-handed backhand winner while airborne, later sharing it on social media as her "favorite shot." This spectacular shot left spectators in awe and Swiatek unable to respond.
Poland went on to claim the United Cup title, defeating Switzerland in the final after their victory over the defending champions, the USA. This championship win marked Poland's first United Cup title, having previously lost the 2024 final. While Gauff was named Most Valuable Player the previous year, Belinda Bencic of Switzerland received the honor for this edition.
