Gauff says she skipped Auckland for better level of competition at United Cup

World No 3 Coco Gauff said on Friday she decided to start her season at the United Cup instead of her happy hunting ground in Auckland as the event offers a higher level of competition and the chance to play as part of a team again.

The 20-year-old, who won the last two Australian Open tune-up tournaments in Auckland, is part of the US team at the December 27-January 5 United Cup in Perth and Sydney.

"I love Auckland. I won twice there. It was a great tournament," the 2023 US Open champion told reporters.

"For me I wanted to play a higher level of competition and also a team competition. I had a lot of fun with the Paris Olympics. The season's already so much by ourselves that it's nice to mix it up.

"I think for all of us the main focus is Australian Open and doing well there."

The US start their campaign in the $10 million mixed team event in Perth against Canada on Sunday, before facing Croatia on December 31.

The Australian Open will begin on January 12, where Gauff will look to improve on her semifinal showing in the 2024 edition.