• Coco Gauff says 19-year-old Maya Joint is a “great talent” ahead of a possible United Cup meeting.
• The US will face either Australia or Poland in the semifinals in Sydney.
• If Poland advances, Gauff would likely meet iga swiatek; if Australia wins, she could face Joint.
• Joint is ranked world No. 32 after a breakout 2025 season with WTA titles at Eastbourne and Rabat.
Gauff praises rising Australian talent
World No. 4 Coco Gauff has singled out 19-year-old Maya Joint as a “great talent” as the United Cup reaches its knockout phase. Gauff made the comments after helping the United States into the semifinals with singles and mixed doubles wins against Greece in Perth.
Gauff said she has never played Joint but warned the Australian would be a tough opponent. “Her ball strike can be really clean,” Gauff said, adding she expects to have her “hands full” in Sydney.
United Cup path: Australia or Poland
The US, as defending champion, will face either Australia or Poland in the semifinals. Australia and Poland meet in a quarterfinal tie on Friday night in Sydney. If Australia wins, Gauff — a two-time major champion — would play Joint for the first time.
If Poland wins, Gauff would likely meet iga swiatek in a high-profile singles rubber. Świątek, a former world No. 1 and world No. 2 at present, holds an 11-4 lead in head-to-head matches against Gauff. However, Gauff has won their last three encounters, including a key victory in last year’s United Cup final.
Maya Joint: fast-rising and in form
US-born Maya Joint is Australia’s top-ranked player at No. 32. She enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, capturing WTA titles in Eastbourne and Rabat and boosting her reputation on tour.
Joint’s aggressive ball striking and composure have drawn praise from opponents and commentators. Her performance in the group stage helped Australia reach the quarterfinals after Alex de Minaur produced twin wins to lift the hosts past Czechia.
What to watch in the quarterfinals
- Australia’s Alex de Minaur will face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in another singles rubber that could decide the tie.
- Poland advanced to the quarters with a 3-0 win over the Netherlands; Australia qualified after edging Czechia 2-1.
The United Cup semifinals will be staged in Sydney. Gauff said she is excited to play in the city, focusing on bringing her best form whether she faces Joint or Świątek.
Looking ahead
For Australia, Joint represents a new generation of talent trying to make an impact at team events and major tournaments. For Gauff and the US, the immediate task is preparation: adapt to Sydney courts and stay sharp against an in-form opponent, be it Maya Joint or iga swiatek.
(Reporter note: ABC Sport will provide live coverage of the Australian Open from January 18.)
Image Referance: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-08/united-cup-tennis-coco-gauff-maya-joint-australia-us/106208390
