MusaCoco Gauff’s journey at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal continues to be a battle of perseverance and mental fortitude. Despite adding 14 more double-faults to her tournament tally, the American star powered through yet another hard-fought victory to advance to the Round of 16. The win not only highlights her physical endurance but also underlines her growing maturity in managing on-court adversity.
Facing Veronika Kudermetova in a tense third-round clash, Gauff once again had to dig deep after a shaky start. The Russian took full advantage of Gauff’s inconsistent serving early on, pressuring her with aggressive returns and forcing her into uncomfortable positions on the court. Kudermetova’s precise shot-making allowed her to seize the first set 6-4, putting Gauff on the back foot.
The story of Gauff’s tournament so far has been about surviving through mental grit rather than polished performances. Just two days earlier, she battled past Danielle Collins in a marathon match despite committing 23 double-faults. In similar fashion, Gauff refused to let her serving woes dictate the outcome against Kudermetova.
In the second set, Gauff recalibrated her strategy. While the double-faults continued to appear, she compensated with relentless baseline play and remarkable defensive skills. Gauff’s ability to extend rallies and force Kudermetova into making mistakes became the turning point. She secured a crucial service break late in the set, clinching it 7-5 and leveling the match.
With the momentum swinging her way, Gauff entered the third set with renewed confidence. She tightened up her groundstrokes and began dictating play from the baseline. Kudermetova, who had been consistent in the early stages, struggled to keep up with Gauff’s increased intensity. The American dominated the decider, racing to a 6-1 win and sealing yet another comeback victory.
Gauff’s win wasn’t flawless, as the 14 double-faults added to an already concerning statistic this week. However, what stood out was her unwavering composure and refusal to crumble under pressure. These victories may not have been textbook, but they showcase a champion’s mindset — finding ways to win even when the game isn’t flowing perfectly.
This victory propels Gauff into the fourth round of the National Bank Open, marking her best run in Montreal to date. More importantly, it reinforces her reputation as one of the tour’s toughest competitors, someone who can battle through adversity and still emerge victorious.
Looking ahead, Gauff knows that improving her serve will be key if she wants to go all the way. However, her ability to stay composed in difficult situations is a valuable asset that few players possess. As the U.S. Open approaches, these hard-earned wins serve as ideal preparation for the high-pressure matches that lie ahead.
For now, Gauff’s focus remains on advancing in Montreal, and if she can fix her serving inconsistencies, she will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
Musa
John Owolabi
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