Coco Gauff showed true grit and determination as she battled through a staggering 23 double faults to claim her first victory since reaching the French Open final. The American star defeated fellow countrywoman Danielle Collins in a tense opening-round match at the 2025 Canadian Open (National Bank Open), marking a crucial return to form as the US Open approaches.
In a match that tested both her physical endurance and mental toughness, Gauff struggled with her serve but found a way to dig deep and overcome her difficulties. Despite the unusually high double fault count—one of the highest in her career—Gauff displayed her fighting spirit, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 after nearly two and a half hours of intense play.
“It wasn’t pretty, but I found a way to get through it,” Gauff admitted after the match. “The serve wasn’t working today, but I just told myself to keep fighting and focus on every return game.”
Gauff’s service issues have been a topic of discussion in recent months, but her ability to stay composed under pressure continues to separate her from the pack. Her footwork, defensive skills, and tactical adjustments during rallies were instrumental in overcoming the challenges posed by Collins, who refused to back down.
This victory marks Gauff’s first win since her runner-up finish at Roland Garros, where she lost in the final to Iga Swiatek. Since then, the 20-year-old has faced a rough patch, with early exits in subsequent tournaments and lingering questions about her form leading into the hardcourt season. However, the gritty win in Toronto could be a pivotal moment in restoring her confidence.
“I’m still working on the serve, but the important thing is to stay mentally strong,” Gauff emphasized. “Matches like this can help build that toughness I’ll need for the rest of the season.”
As Gauff advances to the next round of the Canadian Open, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if she can iron out the serving woes and build momentum ahead of the 2025 US Open. If this comeback win is any indication, Gauff’s resilience remains one of her biggest weapons.