Coco Gauff gives US a 1-0 lead over Greece in United Cup

Coco Gauff beat Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 to give the United States a 1-0 lead over Greece in the United Cup quarterfinals in Perth. Taylor Fritz was due to follow against Stefanos Tsitsipas with a chance to move the Americans closer to a semifinal spot in Sydney.

Coco Gauff beat Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday to give the defending-champion United States a 1-0 lead over Greece in a United Cup quarterfinal in Perth. Earlier in the week Gauff had a singles loss and posted on social media to add context to comments about American tennis fans. That earlier singles loss was to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0. The United States reached the quarterfinals after Taylor Fritz won a singles match and Gauff paired with Christian Harrison to win a mixed doubles match and secure top spot in Group A. Match details: - Coco Gauff defeated Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 to open the quarterfinal tie for the United States. - Taylor Fritz was scheduled to play Stefanos Tsitsipas next, with the winner able to move the Americans toward the semifinals in Sydney on Saturday. - Gauff had a social media post on Monday related to prior comments about American fans. - Earlier in the week Gauff lost to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0. - The United States advanced from Group A after Fritz won a singles match and Gauff and Christian Harrison won mixed doubles. Summary: Gauff's straight-sets win gave the United States an early lead in the quarterfinal tie and followed a mixed start to her week. The quarterfinal continues with Taylor Fritz facing Stefanos Tsitsipas, with the outcome affecting whether the Americans move closer to a semifinal place in Sydney on Saturday.