MusaCoco Gauff may have suffered a setback in singles at the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal, but her tournament is far from over. The World No. 2 was upset in the singles draw by Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko in a dramatic third-round clash. However, Gauff remains firmly in contention for silverware in the doubles competition, keeping her hopes alive for a title run in Canada.
A Singles Setback
Gauff’s singles exit came as a surprise to many fans and analysts. After battling past Danielle Collins and Veronika Kudermetova in earlier rounds, she entered her match against Mboko as the overwhelming favorite. Yet, the American star was undone by a combination of unforced errors, service struggles, and Mboko’s fearless shot-making.
The loss ended Gauff’s singles campaign earlier than expected, a disappointment considering her strong start to the hardcourt season. She admitted afterward that her performance was not up to her usual standards, noting that she “didn’t find the right balance” between aggression and consistency.
Doubles Redemption Still Possible
Despite the singles loss, Gauff is still very much in the hunt for a title in Montreal thanks to her doubles partnership. Teaming up with fellow American Jessica Pegula, the duo has been dominant so far, showcasing their chemistry and tactical awareness on court.
Their doubles success comes as no surprise—Gauff and Pegula are one of the top-ranked pairs in the world, known for their ability to adapt quickly and exploit opponents’ weaknesses. In Montreal, they’ve already dispatched two strong teams to advance to the quarter-finals, where they’ll face a formidable challenge but remain one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
Staying Focused for the U.S. Open
While a singles loss is never easy to swallow, Gauff is using the doubles run as an opportunity to stay match-sharp ahead of the U.S. Open later this month. Playing doubles not only keeps her in competitive mode but also helps refine elements of her game—such as net play and reflexes—that could prove decisive in New York.
Gauff’s ability to bounce back from setbacks has been a hallmark of her young career. She has repeatedly shown that she can turn disappointment into motivation, a quality that will be critical as she prepares for the season’s final Grand Slam.
Montreal Fans Still Behind Her
The Montreal crowd has embraced Gauff despite her singles loss. Her entertaining style, fighting spirit, and graciousness in defeat have made her a fan favorite. The stands are expected to be packed for her upcoming doubles matches, with Canadian supporters eager to see if she can still leave with a trophy in hand.
Whether or not she wins in doubles, Gauff’s determination in Montreal serves as another reminder of why she’s one of the sport’s brightest stars—and why her journey this season is far from over.
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