‘Cold and unusual’ handshake snubs in USA’s fiery United Cup triumph

The USA have won the United Cup for the second time, but there was no love lost between the American players and a former World No. 1.

Coco Gauff roared past Iga Swiatek to inspire team USA on Sunday before Taylor Fritz sealed the United Cup title with victory over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in Sydney.

Gauff opened with a statement 6-4, 6-4 win over Swiatek in 1hr 51min of hard-hitting tennis to fire a warning shot ahead of the Australian Open.

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Before the match-up began, the USA’s Danielle Collins barely acknowledged Swiatek as the two teams shook hands.

There is history between the pair — Collins had words to Swiatek at the Paris Olympics after the American retired hurt from their match at Roland Garros.

After Swiatek lost the first set, she left the court with her notebook for a toilet break. But Gauff was too strong and closed out the match in straight sets.

Swiatek is known for her sportsmanship but there was not a love of in the brief handshake with Gauff at the net after their match.

Leading tennis commentator Jose Morgado described it as a “very unusual and cold handshake from Iga Swiatek”.

Watch the frosty United Cup handshakes in the video above

Danielle Collins didn't give Iga Swiatek in the handshake line. Photo: X.

Iga Swiatek's handshake with Coco Gauff was very quick. Photo: X.

Big-serving Fritz then battled through against Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7/4) to spark wild celebrations as the Americans won the mixed-teams cup for the second time in three years after winning the inaugural event in 2023.

For Poland it meant falling at the final hurdle again after losing to Germany 12 months ago.

Gauff set the ball rolling with a second victory in a row over Swiatek after beating the former world number one at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on her way to the title.

Gauff had won all six of her previous singles and doubles matches this week and continued her streak when Swiatek double-faulted on match point at 4-5, 30-40 in the second set.

Coco Gauff has totally changed the dynamic in her rivalry with Iga Swiatek. Coco is coming for the #1 ranking this year 🎾🇺🇸

— Steve Weissman (@Steve_Weissman) January 5, 2025

Gauff vs Swiatek tennis is so good 👏

— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) January 5, 2025

“I think I have the belief that I am one of the best players in the world, and when I play good tennis, it’s hard for me to be beaten,” said Gauff, who won the award as player of the tournament.

The 20-year-old will go into the first grand slam of the year next Sunday unbeaten in singles since losing to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the Wuhan semi-finals in October, and brimming with confidence.

Coco Gauff is in red hot form ahead of the Australian Open. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Swiatek took a medical time-out at 5-4 down in the second set to have strapping put on her niggling left thigh which has bothered her all week in Sydney.

After losing to Gauff, Swiatek left the court in tears, walking gingerly, but returned laughing and joking during the trophy presentations.

Red-hot Gauff, who did not drop a set in five singles matches, goes into the Australian Open as world number three.

She enjoyed United Cup singles wins over Leylah Fernandez, Donna Vekic, Zhang Shuai, Karolina Muchova and Swiatek.

“Today I think I played great tennis, and I’m happy to get a point,” she said.

“It was tough today. I’m not gonna lie.”

Team United States members Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Denis Kudla, Robert Galloway, Danielle Collins, Desirae Krawczyk and Michael Russell pose with the United Cup Trophy. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Taylor Fritz celebrates after beating Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Gauff’s victory left the United States one win away from lifting the title for the second time, and Fritz delivered after edging a third-set tie-break to seal a tense encounter.

“It’s been a great week,” said Fritz.

“They’re an incredibly tough team and the margins are very small,” he added after a serve-dominated match that featured 30 aces and just three break points.

“I feel like it could have always gone either way. Just want to say thanks to my whole team.”

Fritz, who is at career-best number four in the rankings, dropped his opening United Cup match to Felix Auger-Aliassime but then won four straight.

Originally published as ‘Cold and unusual’ handshake snubs in USA’s fiery United Cup triumph