MusaCoco Gauff battled past Veronika Kudermetova in a dramatic three-set encounter at the 2025 Canadian Open (National Bank Open) in Montreal, overcoming significant struggles on serve to reach the Round of 16. The top-seeded American once again relied on her fighting spirit and all-court athleticism to survive, despite a performance marred by service issues, including multiple double faults.
Gauff, who has had a rollercoaster journey at this year’s tournament, came into the match against Kudermetova looking to build momentum after a tense opening win against Danielle Collins. However, her serve, particularly her second serve, continued to cause problems. In total, Gauff committed 14 double faults — following the 23 double faults in her previous match — which threatened to derail her chances once again.
Kudermetova took full advantage early, breaking Gauff’s serve twice in the first set with aggressive returns and capitalizing on the American’s inconsistent ball toss and service motion. The Russian remained solid from the baseline, taking the first set 6-4 and putting Gauff on the defensive.
However, Gauff has established a reputation for resilience and the ability to adjust mid-match. In the second set, despite more double faults, she began to assert herself in rallies. Using her speed and anticipation, Gauff extended points and began forcing Kudermetova into making errors. Her return game improved, allowing her to break serve and level the match with a hard-fought 7-5 second set.
Riding the wave of momentum, Gauff came into the third set with renewed energy. She started hitting her first serves more consistently, allowing her to take control of points. Kudermetova, who had held firm early on, began to falter under Gauff’s relentless pressure. The American quickly surged ahead, winning the set 6-1 and sealing her spot in the next round.
Speaking after the match, Gauff acknowledged her serving struggles but highlighted her determination:
“Honestly, I wasn’t happy with how I served again, but I stayed positive and focused on fighting for every point. Sometimes you just have to find a way, and I did that today.”
This victory marks Gauff’s second consecutive comeback in Montreal and shows that even when her game isn’t at its best, her competitive fire can carry her through. With her sights set on a deep run at the Canadian Open and preparation for the upcoming U.S. Open, Gauff is keenly aware that she must resolve her serving issues.
Despite the flaws in her game, Gauff remains one of the tournament favorites thanks to her athleticism, mental toughness, and ability to adapt. If she can stabilize her serve, she will be a formidable contender not only in Montreal but also in the Grand Slam events ahead.
As the top seed, Gauff carries high expectations, and each win builds both her confidence and momentum. With another tough match likely in the next round, fans can expect more drama and determination from the American star as she continues her Canadian Open campaign
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