“There’s obviously a lot of really great players who are in that next tier and starting to really make their push and do well,” American star Madison Keys said back in 2023 on the new set of young female players taking American tennis forward. In the last two years, talents like Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro have proved their potential on the biggest stages. Gauff won her first Slam at the US Open in 2023, followed by her WTA Finals triumph in December 2024. Navarro also made a semi-final run at the Flushing Meadows, eventually losing to Aryna Sabalenka. Keys has now reiterated her belief in them, hoping for true American domination in the WTA world going forward.

Madison Keys recently kicked off her 2025 season with a major victory at the ASB Classic in Auckland. She beat Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in straight sets, with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-4. Ahead of her campaign in the event Down Under, Keys engaged in a press conference, dated December 29, talking about her preparations. Additionally, she was also asked about her thoughts on the young line-up of American players, especially those who are currently playing in various tournaments, representing the country.

“I think it’s that’s great. There’s obviously uh, there’s kind of the group of us that have grew up through Juniors together and have known each other for a long time and it’s always really nice to, kind of have a group of friends that you’ve known since you were really young and were you know all traveling this crazy circus together,” she said.

Keys was indirectly referring to her contemporaries, such as the likes of Sloane Stephens, Jessica Pegula, and Jennifer Brady. Shifting her attention to the young generation, she added, “And then there’s a group of really great younger women that are, um, I think they’re not only great players but it’s been really nice to be able to kind of get to train with them and be around them. I think they’re, I think the US is in really good hands with them.” Clearly, her words were directed towards the likes of Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro.

Emma Navarro will begin her Brisbane International campaign against Australia’s Kimberley Birrell tomorrow. And Coco Gauff is busy leading Team USA towards its second successive final at the United Cup. Gauff made her debut at the United Cup on Sunday and in her first match in the event, she defeated Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-2 in the women’s singles encounter. Then, she partnered with compatriot Taylor Fritz in the mixed doubles and beat Felix Auger Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez with a scoreline of 7-6(2), 7-5, leading their country to an emphatic victory over Canada. But she didn’t stop there!

Coco Gauff helps Team USA secure its place in the United Cup quarterfinal round

Gauff showed her prowess in the next match, too. Against Croatia’s Donna Vekic, on Tuesday, she won in straight sets again by 6-4, 6-2. With that, she also took her revenge on the Croatian star. The two previously met at the Paris Olympics, back in August. There, Vekic had the last laugh as she beat Gauff 7-6, 6-4 in the third round, eliminating the 20-year-old American. Later, Vekic went on to win the silver medal for her country.

Coming back to the United Cup, after the singles victory, Coco Gauff and Fritz defeated Vekic and her partner Ivan Dodig 7-6(2), 7-5 in the mixed doubles match and took Team USA to the quarterfinal stage. Gauff is enjoying her time at the United Cup. It became evident from her excitement shown by her ahead of the tournament’s commencement last week.

“This will be my first time playing the United Cup, so I’m super excited to kick off the year in Australia,” she said prior to her campaign at the United Cup, as reported by Tennis Tonic, dated December 25. “It’s always an honor to represent my country,” she added.

What are your thoughts on Gauff’s phenomenal run at the third edition of the United Cup? Do you think her performance will help America lift the trophy? Let us know in the comments below.