MusaWorld No. 2 Coco Gauff continued her run at the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal, overcoming persistent serving struggles to secure another hard-fought victory. The American star defeated Veronika Kudermetova in a dramatic three-set battle, winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, to reach the Round of 16. Despite her advancement, Gauff’s double-fault count remained alarmingly high, raising concerns ahead of the tournament’s latter stages.
Serving Woes Persist for Gauff
Gauff’s serve has been a glaring weakness throughout the Canadian Open. After recording a staggering 23 double faults in her opening-round win against Danielle Collins, Gauff added 14 more double faults to her tally against Kudermetova. Her total of 37 double faults in two matches is one of the highest in recent WTA history for a top-seeded player.
The 20-year-old has openly admitted that her serve is not where it needs to be, describing it as “on a crutch.” However, her ability to find alternative ways to win has been impressive. Gauff’s return game, defensive agility, and strategic shot selection have allowed her to compensate for her unreliable serve.
Kudermetova Pushes Gauff to the Edge
Veronika Kudermetova took full advantage of Gauff’s serving inconsistencies, applying pressure from the start. Kudermetova’s aggressive baseline play and precise shot placement earned her the first set 6-4. The Russian was close to causing a major upset when she had break points in the second set, but Gauff’s grit and determination came through at the crucial moments.
Gauff managed to elevate her level in the latter half of the match, saving key break points and forcing errors from Kudermetova with deep, penetrating groundstrokes. After clinching the second set 7-5, the momentum firmly shifted in Gauff’s favor as she dominated the deciding set 6-2.
Mental Resilience Over Technique
Despite her technical struggles, Gauff’s mental toughness has been a defining factor in her Montreal campaign. She has shown an uncanny ability to stay calm under pressure, finding solutions even when her serve continues to let her down. Gauff mentioned after the match that winning these challenging encounters builds invaluable confidence, especially as she heads toward the US Open.
Her tactical adjustments, such as standing further back on her service returns and aggressively attacking short balls, have helped neutralize her serving problems. This adaptability has kept her competitive, even in matches where her rhythm has been off.
Next Challenge Awaits in Montreal
Gauff’s next opponent in the Canadian Open will be Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, who has become a fan favorite with her inspired performances. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with Mboko looking to cause a major upset on home soil, while Gauff aims to sharpen her game ahead of the US Open swing.
While Gauff’s serving issues remain a significant concern, her ability to persevere and grind out victories continues to impress. If she can stabilize her serve, Gauff will undoubtedly remain a top contender for the Canadian Open title and beyond.
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