MusaCoco Gauff showcased her unbreakable fighting spirit once again as she pulled off a stunning comeback victory against Veronika Kudermetova to advance to the fourth round of the 2025 National Bank Open in Montréal. The American star battled through adversity for the second consecutive match, proving her grit and determination as she turned the tide after losing the first set to Kudermetova.
Coming into the match, Gauff had already endured a tense, error-filled win over Danielle Collins, where she committed an astonishing 23 double faults but still found a way to survive. Against Kudermetova, Gauff knew she had to clean up her game, yet early on, her struggles persisted. The Russian took control in the first set, capitalizing on Gauff’s inconsistent serving and forcing her into uncomfortable positions on the court. Kudermetova’s precision hitting and tactical awareness put Gauff on the back foot, allowing her to take the opening set 6-4.
But champions respond when they’re pushed to the brink, and Coco Gauff did just that. In the second set, she slowly found her rhythm, relying on her athleticism and defensive skills to extend rallies and pressure Kudermetova into errors. Despite another batch of double faults creeping into her game, Gauff’s resolve remained unshaken. A crucial service break midway through the set allowed her to shift momentum, and she clawed her way to a 7-5 set victory to level the match.
With the crowd firmly behind her, Gauff elevated her level in the deciding set. Kudermetova, who had been solid through much of the match, began to fade under the relentless pressure applied by Gauff’s aggressive returns and improved first-serve percentage. The American stormed through the third set 6-1, closing out another impressive comeback win.
After the match, Gauff acknowledged that it wasn’t a perfect performance but highlighted the importance of mental toughness. “It was a grind again today, but I kept telling myself to stay in the fight. These are the matches that build character,” she said.
This win marks Gauff’s second consecutive comeback victory at the National Bank Open, a tournament where she has emerged as a strong favorite following the withdrawal of top contenders. Despite the serving woes, her ability to problem-solve in difficult moments and maintain composure under pressure is what sets her apart.
Gauff’s journey in Montréal is also significant as it provides valuable preparation ahead of the U.S. Open, where expectations are high. These comeback victories not only showcase her never-give-up attitude but also underline the fact that she can win even when her A-game isn’t fully present. The grit, heart, and mental resilience displayed by Gauff have once again made her a crowd favorite and a serious title contender.
As she advances to the Round of 16, Gauff will look to fine-tune her serve and sharpen her overall game. If she can balance out her technical inconsistencies, Coco Gauff is poised to make a deep run in Montréal and beyond.
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