Coco Gauff Reveals the One Thing That's Got Her Shaking in Her Boots Ahead of Perth Showdown

Women’s world No.3 Coco Gauff has hailed the strength of the United Cup field, coupled with the tournament's unique team environment, as a significant influence on her looming Perth debut.

Gauff, who has risen to prominence in recent years as one of tennis' most exciting young prospects, is set to make her first appearance in the Western Australian city as part of the United States team, and has spoken of her excitement and nervousness ahead of the event.

'The United Cup is definitely one of the most unique team events in tennis, with a range of stars and up-and-coming players that makes for a really compelling competition,' Gauff said. 'When you combine that with the team environment and the chance to represent your country, it's something that I'm really looking forward to being a part of.'

And Gauff is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge that lies ahead, as the United States take on some of the best teams in the world for the right to be crowned United Cup champions.

'The strength of the field at the United Cup is incredible – I mean, you've got some of the very best players in the world all in one place, competing for their countries and pushing themselves to be the best,' Gauff said.

'As a player, that's the kind of competition that you thrive on, and it's going to be an incredible experience to be a part of such a high-level competition.'

However, the women's world No.3 is confident that her own level of performance has risen to the point where she can compete with the very best in the world – and that she's got the skills and the talent to make a real impact in Perth.

'I've worked incredibly hard over the past year or so to get my game to where it needs to be – and I'm feeling really confident about my chances of competing with the best players in the world,' Gauff said.

'That being said, I'm also not taking anything for granted – the United Cup is a tough competition, and we'll need to be at the top of our game if we're going to have a chance of winning.'

In terms of her own preparation for the tournament, Gauff said that she's focused on fine-tuning her game and getting her body in the best possible shape ahead of the big event.

'I've been working hard on my training and making sure that my body is in the best possible shape – that's the key to competing with the best players in the world over a long period of time,' Gauff said.

And it seems that hard work is paying off – Gauff has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, and is entering the United Cup on the back of some impressive results.

'It's always nice to go into a big competition with some momentum behind you – and I feel like I've got that at the moment,' Gauff said.

'My form has been good lately, and I'm feeling confident about my chances of doing well in Perth.'

The 18-year-old American star is set to join forces with fellow US players at the United Cup, as they look to take down some of the world's top-ranked teams.

It promises to be an action-packed event, with some of the world's most exciting young talents – including Gauff – set to go head-to-head in Perth.

'The next generation of tennis stars is looking bright – and the United Cup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the year,' Gauff said.

'I'm honored to be a part of it, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the sport.'