In the world of tennis, resilience often matters more than pure skill. Coco Gauff delivered a prime example at the 2023 National Bank Open in Montreal. Despite a jaw-dropping 23 double faults—one of the highest totals in WTA history—Gauff summoned every ounce of determination to edge past Danielle Collins in a heart-stopping, nearly three-hour battle. Her victory sent a strong message: champions aren’t defined by perfection, but by their ability to fight through adversity.
The Match: Serving Struggles & Rivalry Drama
Coco Gauff’s win over Danielle Collins was anything but routine. Gauff’s 23 double faults nearly handed Collins a full set’s worth of free points. The tension was palpable from the first ball, and the crowd in Montreal felt every twist.
Key Moments That Defined the Clash
First Set Challenges: Gauff’s serve faltered early, giving Collins multiple opportunities. Double faults stacked up, but Gauff’s retrieval skills and relentless baseline play kept her in contention.
Endurance Tested: The match stretched for nearly three hours, demanding not just physical stamina but immense mental strength.
Turning Point: In the third set tiebreak, Gauff silenced doubts, culminating the match with a signature ace—even after a staggering double-fault tally.
This epic struggle was more than a tennis match; it was a battle of nerves, heart, and fortitude.
Serving Woes: The Story Behind 23 Double Faults
It’s extremely rare for an elite player to rack up 23 double faults in one match. For perspective, this was the highest seen on tour since 2017, when Jelena Ostapenko tallied 25 en route to a win at the China Open. Montreal’s windy conditions, combined with Gauff’s search for consistency under pressure, contributed to this unusual stat.
How Gauff Navigated Her Serving Nightmare
Regrouped Between Points: Gauff visibly took deep breaths and reset her focus, refusing to let frustration take over.
Tactical Adjustments: With her first serve unreliable, she leaned into her athleticism and powerful returns, often breaking Collins’ serve in critical moments.
Mental Fortitude: Despite each setback, Gauff never lost hope, proving her mindset could carry her even when her serve faltered.
Gauff’s Big Picture: Resilience Rising
What should fans take away from this wild Montreal contest? Coco Gauff’s performance was a masterclass in grit and adaptability. Even while struggling with her most basic weapon—the serve—she found ways to win. She acknowledged the frustration post-match but stressed that sometimes a “bad match” early in a tournament is a valuable wake-up call.
What’s Next for Coco Gauff?
- She’ll focus on stabilizing her serve with her coaching team, knowing future opponents will look to capitalize on any hesitation.
- Montreal showed that even when things go wrong technically, determination and athletic brilliance can see her through.
- Her remarkable rebound cements her as one of the game’s fiercest competitors, poised for greatness in the remainder of the season.
FAQs About Coco Gauff’s Montreal Victory
1. How many double faults did Coco Gauff serve in Montreal?
Gauff served an astonishing 23 double faults versus Danielle Collins at the 2023 National Bank Open, the highest in a WTA match since 2017.
2. How did Gauff manage to win despite 23 double faults?
She relied on her return game, mental toughness, and supreme athleticism—breaking Collins at key moments and staying composed in the decisive tiebreak.
3. Is this level of serving inconsistency common for Gauff?
While Gauff occasionally struggles with her serve under pressure, this match was an outlier. She and her coaching staff are actively working to improve her consistency.
4. What record did Gauff set with this match?
Her 23 double faults were the most in a WTA main draw match since Jelena Ostapenko’s 25 in 2017—a rare feat, both difficult and dramatic.
5. What’s the biggest takeaway for young players from Gauff’s performance?
Even elite athletes have off-days. What matters most is resilience and the ability to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
Conclusion: The Heart of a Champion
Coco Gauff’s Montreal adventure was a reminder that the true greats are defined not only by their best days but also by how they overcome their worst. Despite a serving performance that shook even her biggest fans, Gauff dug deep, saved her best for the clutch moments, and emerged victorious. If she can triumph on days when so much goes awry, her future in the sport looks brighter than ever.
