Coco Gauff faced a tough battle on the courts of the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal, rallying from a set and a break down to secure a hard-fought 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory over Veronika Kudermetova. Despite continuing struggles with her serve, including a barrage of double faults, Gauff showed resilience and mental strength to advance to the round of 16.
A Rocky Start: Service Woes Continue
Gauff’s serve has been a persistent challenge since her impressive French Open win last month. Against Kudermetova, she double-faulted 14 times — seven of them in the first set alone — and committed 53 unforced errors over a grueling two-and-a-half-hour match. Early momentum slipped away as Gauff lost a 4-1 lead in the opening set, allowing Kudermetova to capture it 6-4.
Her frustration mounted visibly on court, with moments of self-talk and even a rare racket toss after multiple missed serves. The serve issues almost cost her dearly, with multiple break points against her and crucial moments where Kudermetova had a chance to close the match early.
Turning It Around: Mental Toughness and Fight
However, Gauff’s mental resilience proved decisive. Down a set and 1-3 in the second, she managed to stave off a double-break deficit and clawed back into contention. Her forehand and return game sharpened just when she needed it most, breaking Kudermetova to level the set at 5-5 and eventually taking the set 7-5.
In the third set, Gauff steadied her serve dramatically, double-faulting only once, while raising her level to dominate 6-2. Her aggressive play and strategic shot-making helped her seize control, turning the tide of the match in her favor.
What This Means for Gauff’s Montreal Campaign
- Gauff improves to the round of 16, continuing her streak of strong showings at Montreal for the fifth consecutive year.
- The victory comes despite ongoing service challenges post-Roland Garros.
- She will next face 18-year-old Canadian wild card Victoria Mboko, who upset Marie Bouzkova in the third round.
Key Match Stats
Final score: Coco Gauff def. Veronika Kudermetova 4-6, 7-5, 6-2
Double faults: 14 total (7 in the first set)
Unforced errors: 53
Match duration: 2 hours 32 minutes
Gauff’s Perspective
Gauff acknowledged the difficulties but focused on the positives, saying, “It was a tough match. Mentally, I thought I did well, especially on the return. I was playing an opponent that served really well. Obviously, I would like to serve better, but I’m happy to get through.”
She added, “Winning matches while having one part of my game on a crutch shows there is room for improvement. When my serve clicks, I know I can be a lot more straightforward and easier on myself.”
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward
Coco Gauff’s serve troubles may linger, but her persistence and competitive spirit remain undeniable. As she progresses deeper into the tournament, her ability to rally under pressure and adjust tactics will be key. Fans can expect her next match against Canada’s rising star Victoria Mboko to be another test of skill and nerve.
Key Takeaways
- Gauff’s service game remains a work in progress but has not stopped her from winning.
- Mental toughness is keeping her competitive at the highest level.
- Upcoming matches will reveal if she can stabilize her serve under pressure.
FAQs – Coco Gauff’s Montreal Performance and Serve Issues
1. How did Coco Gauff win despite service problems?
She battled through 14 double faults and 53 unforced errors by relying on strong return play, mental toughness, and clutch shot-making to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.
2. Has Gauff’s serve been an ongoing issue?
Yes, her serve struggles have persisted since her French Open title, including multiple double faults in recent tournaments.
3. Who is Gauff’s next opponent in Montreal?
She will face 18-year-old Canadian wild card Victoria Mboko in the round of 16.
4. How long did the match last?
The match took two hours and 32 minutes.
5. What positives did Gauff take from this win?
Despite the serve issues, Gauff demonstrated strong mental resilience and ability to rally from behind.
Coco Gauff’s latest comeback in Montreal highlights both her exceptional competitive spirit and the ongoing challenge of refining her service game. Tennis fans will be watching closely to see how her serve evolves as she aims for deeper runs this season.
