MusaWorld No. 2 Coco Gauff once again displayed nerves of steel as she battled through another tense encounter to secure her second win at the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal. Facing relentless pressure from Veronika Kudermetova, Gauff managed to survive a potential upset, overcoming service struggles to advance to the Round of 16. The 20-year-old American’s resilience was on full display as she fought back from a set down to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.
Gauff’s Serve Still a Concern
Despite the victory, Gauff’s serving woes continue to be a significant talking point. For the second consecutive match, Gauff recorded a double-digit count in double faults, tallying 14 against Kudermetova. Combined with the 23 double faults in her previous round against Danielle Collins, Gauff’s total of 37 double faults in Montreal is alarming for a top-seeded player.
Gauff has been candid about her struggles, admitting that her serve feels like it’s “on a crutch.” However, her ability to win matches despite these challenges reflects her mental toughness and strategic adaptability. She acknowledged that while her serve remains a work in progress, the rest of her game is clicking into gear, especially her returns and baseline aggression.
Kudermetova Pushes Gauff to the Limit
Veronika Kudermetova came out firing, using her powerful serve and deep groundstrokes to take the first set 6-4. The Russian kept Gauff on the back foot, exploiting her serving inconsistencies and forcing crucial errors at key moments. Kudermetova even had break points in the second set that could have sealed the match, but Gauff’s clutch play under pressure turned the tide.
With the Montreal crowd firmly behind her, Gauff found another gear in the closing stages of the second set, breaking Kudermetova at 6-5 to level the match. The momentum shift was palpable, and Gauff capitalized in the decider, taking control of the rallies and cruising to a 6-2 win in the third set.
A Test of Mental Strength
Gauff’s performance highlighted her ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations. While the double faults were glaring, her tactical adjustments, including stepping in on second serve returns and shortening points with aggressive forehands, proved decisive.
The American star remarked that these gritty wins are a positive takeaway, as she’s learning to find solutions even when a key part of her game is misfiring. With the US Open around the corner, Gauff emphasized the importance of working through these challenges now.
What’s Next for Gauff?
Up next, Gauff will face rising Canadian talent Victoria Mboko in the Round of 16. Mboko, backed by the home crowd, will pose a fresh challenge for Gauff, who will need to tighten her serve and continue to rely on her exceptional movement and fighting spirit.
As the tournament progresses, Gauff’s ability to win ugly could prove to be a vital asset. While her serve remains a question mark, her determination and ability to adapt under pressure keep her in contention for the Canadian Open title.
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