Good morning, Court Theorists! ☕️
Today’s tennis mood: Relieved plus pleasantly surprised.
Play at United Cup is heating up as the top teams are making their way through the quarterfinals. The first team through to the semifinals is the United States, with some gutsy play at key moments. And we’ve got some other matches queued up at tour-level events worth your attention, too.
Let’s tennis!
-Allen
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Three Points
🎾 Coco back on United Cup track: After a little hiccup against Spain on Monday, Coco Gauff pulled Team USA into the semifinal by winning both of her matches against Greece on Wednesday. First, she straightforwardly defeated Maria Sakkari, 6-3, 6-2. Then, after Taylor Fritz lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, Gauff and Christian Harrison plotted a narrow escape in the deciding mixed doubles match against Sakkari and Tsitsipas, 4-6, 6-4, 10-8.
What she said: “I think I was striking the ball well today, and when that happens, my movement on the court is also good,” Gauff said after her singles win. “I usually know it’s going to be a good day.”
Next: The U.S. faces the winner of Australia vs. Poland.
🎾 Something we didn’t see coming: That was the return of Argentina’s Sebastian Baez. The 25-year-old, who might stand 5’7”, reached the top 20 in 2024 and seemed to have lost his juice since then. But he was perfect in United Cup play, taking down Jaume Munar, Taylor Fritz, and Stan Wawrinka. He looks fitter, stronger, and smarter in kicking off 2026 — and he is absolutely thumping the ball. Color us impressed here at Court Theory HQ. If this level of play is sustainable, expect a return to the top 20.
