Wed Jan 01 12:00:00 UTC 2025: ## USA Advances to United Cup Quarterfinals, Defeating Croatia

**PERTH, Australia (AP)** — The United States has secured its place in the United Cup quarterfinals after a dominant performance against Croatia on Tuesday. Top-seeded Taylor Fritz defeated Borna Coric in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, securing the victory for the American team. Coco Gauff followed up with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 win over Donna Vekic in the women’s singles.

Fritz’s win proved crucial, as only one American victory was needed to top Group A. Gauff’s win added to the team’s success, marking a redemption for her previous loss to Vekic at the Paris Olympics. “Really happy with how I played today,” Gauff said. “The Olympics loss hurt, so I definitely used it as motivation.”

The U.S. team, having already defeated Canada in their opening match, will now face China in the quarterfinals in Perth on Wednesday. China qualified as the best runner-up. Other quarterfinal matchups include Kazakhstan versus Germany.

In other news from the tournament, Italy also advanced to the quarterfinals after a decisive 3-0 victory over France in Sydney. Flavio Cobolli pulled off an upset win over Ugo Humbert, and Jasmine Paolini contributed a dominant win in the women’s singles. Italy’s success comes despite the absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

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