SYDNEY, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Women's world No. 4 Coco Gauff rediscovered her best form on Wednesday to ensure the United States' title defence remained on track, while Switzerland also reached the semifinals of the mixed teams United Cup.
Gauff won her women's singles match against Maria Sakkari, then played a starring role in the mixed doubles to lead the United States to a 2-1 victory over Greece as quarterfinal action kicked off at Perth's RAC Arena.
The 21-year-old defeated Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and 26 minutes in a much better performance after her shock loss to Bouzas Maneiro on Monday. The two-time major champion served superbly in an improved effort after having hit 14 double faults against Maneiro.
"I think [losing to Maneiro] felt like one of my worst matches of my career," Gauff said. "I think I was striking the ball well today, and when that happens, my movement on the court is also good."
In a blockbuster men's singles match, 2023 Australian Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas forced a mixed doubles decider with a 6-4, 7-5 triumph over world No. 9 Taylor Fritz, who was limited by knee tendinitis.
It was a confidence boost ahead of the Australian Open for former No. 3 Tsitsipas, who claimed his first win over a top-10 opponent in more than 18 months.
Tsitsipas has slid down to 34 in the rankings due to injuries and inconsistencies, but rewound the clock with strong serving.
"I was fighting for the team and it was such a great match from my end," Tsitsipas said. "I was especially pleased with my serve and how I dealt with the pressure moments with a clear head."
In the later quarterfinal, Switzerland edged Argentina 2-1 and will now play the winner of Belgium and the Czech Republic in the final four.
World No. 11 Belinda Bencic cruised past Solana Sierra 6-2, 6-2 in one hour and 17 minutes to continue her impressive form in Perth.
The 28-year-old had in the group stage also registered straight sets wins over Italy's Jasmine Paolini and France's Leolia Jeanjean.
Sebastian Baez levelled the tie in the second singles match with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka, who has started his farewell season on the tour.
But Bencic teamed up with Jakub Paul as the Swiss pair downed Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi 6-3, 6-3 in the mixed doubles.
Meanwhile, Poland will meet Australia in the quarterfinals after sweeping the Netherlands 3-0 in the final group match in Sydney.
Women's world No.2 Iga Swiatek defeated Suzan Lamens in straight sets to continue her unbeaten start to the season.
Belgium and the Czech Republic clash in the only quarterfinal on Thursday in Sydney. ■
