MusaCoco Gauff continues her determined march through the National Bank Open 2025 in Montreal, advancing to the fourth round after back-to-back grueling victories that tested her mental and physical resilience. The American star, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, is proving once again why she is regarded as one of the fiercest competitors on the WTA Tour, even when not playing at her best.
Gauff’s campaign at the National Bank Open got off to a tense start in the second round against fellow American Danielle Collins. Despite committing a staggering 23 double faults, Gauff displayed her trademark fighting spirit and eventually pulled through in a marathon three-set battle. She secured a hard-earned victory with a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2) scoreline, surviving over two and a half hours of relentless baseline rallies and mental challenges. After the match, Gauff admitted to feeling frustrated by her serving struggles but emphasized the importance of staying composed and finding ways to win, even when things aren’t going smoothly.
The third round presented yet another test, this time against Veronika Kudermetova. The Russian seized the opening set, capitalizing on Gauff’s erratic serving that continued to haunt her. However, once again, Gauff dug deep and refused to let the match slip away. She steadied herself in the second set, using her powerful groundstrokes and incredible foot speed to shift the momentum. After edging a tight second set 7-5, Gauff found her groove and dominated the decider, closing out a 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 comeback victory.
Despite the ongoing issues with her serve—recording another 14 double faults in the match—Gauff’s mental toughness and relentless energy carried her through. Her ability to problem-solve under pressure, even when her game isn’t firing on all cylinders, is a testament to her maturity and championship mindset.
With Aryna Sabalenka’s withdrawal from the tournament, Gauff now shoulders the expectations of being the top remaining seed in her quarter of the draw. The opportunity is wide open for her to make a deep run, and these tough early-round battles could prove vital in sharpening her competitive edge as the tournament progresses.
This fourth-round appearance is significant as it marks Gauff’s best performance in Montreal since her breakout Grand Slam win at the French Open earlier in the season. After some inconsistent results in the weeks that followed, these grinding victories show she’s regaining momentum at the right time, especially with the U.S. Open looming on the horizon.
Fans and analysts alike are keen to see whether Gauff can clean up her service games and bring a more polished performance in the next round. However, one thing is certain: Coco Gauff’s fighting spirit, tenacity, and never-say-die attitude remain as strong as ever. She is not just surviving—she is learning, evolving, and proving why she is a legitimate contender in every tournament she enters.
As Gauff heads into the Round of 16, the spotlight will be firmly on her to deliver. The road has not been easy, but champions are forged in battles like these, and Coco Gauff is ready for whatever challenge comes next.
John Owolabi
Musa
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