'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Coco Gauff has revealed the origin behind her new "dig" celebration, which has marked her participation at the mixed team United Cup tournament in Australia. The US team, led by Gauff and Taylor Fritz, brought home the trophy for the second time after beating an Iga Swiatek-Hubert Hurcacz-led Polish side.
During her first tournament of the season, the 20-year-old has been seen celebrating by mimicking digging with a shovel. After the US team became champions, Gauff explained her "digging" as "the theme of the week".
The retiring Denis Kudla conceived the move, as per Coco Gauff, who elaborated in her post-match press conference:
"Honestly, I think it started, like, in my match against China. I was playing (Zhang) Shuai, and she was playing really great tennis. You know, he (Kudla) was, like, great digging, keep digging. Then the shovel celebration came from him. I just kind of took it and ran with it. That was the theme of the week for me."
Trending
Kudla, 32, played the final match of his career on Saturday, teaming up with Desirae Krawczyk to complete a 3-0 sweep over the Czech Republic in the semifinals. The American journeyman reached a carrer-best No. 53 in May 2016.
Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz lead the US to victory over Poland
Coco Gauff took out her old rival Iga Swiatek in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) in the opener of the final to hand the North Americans a crucial 1-0 lead.
With the defeat of Swiatek, Gauff reduced the deficit in the head-to-head with the Pole to 3-11. Gauff's countryman Taylor Fritz too stepped up, edging Hubert Hurcacz in a tense third-set tiebreak to seal victory for the Americans.
“I have the belief that I’m one of the best players in the world. Today, I think I played some great tennis. I’m glad to get a point on board for team USA. It was tough today, I’m not gonna lie," Coco Gauff said after the riveting encounter.
The American has won 17 of her last 20 matches. Despite not adding to her Grand Slam tally in 2024, the young American had a stellar year, winning the China Open and following it up with her first WTA Finals title in Riyadh. Notably, the 2023 US Open winner also defeated Swiatek in the group stage en route that title.
Gauff and Fritz will next compete at the first major of the year, the Australian Open, which commences on January 12.
