In a display of remarkable resilience, tennis sensation Coco Gauff navigated another challenging match marked by a high number of double-faults to secure her advancement at the prestigious National Bank Open in Montreal.
The American phenom faced off against Veronika Kudermetova, ultimately prevailing in a gritty three-set battle with a final score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. Gauff’s ability to rally from a set and a break down underscored her burgeoning mental fortitude on the court.
This hard-fought victory comes just two days after Gauff overcame an even more significant serving hurdle, having survived a match against fellow American Danielle Collins despite accumulating 23 double-faults. Her persistent ability to find a path to triumph, even when a crucial aspect of her game falters, highlights her championship mindset in professional tennis.
Reflecting on her latest encounter, Gauff acknowledged the demanding nature of the match, stating, “It was a tough match. I thought I did well mentally, especially on the return. I was playing an opponent that served really well. Obviously, I would like to serve better on my end, but overall, just happy to get through.” This candid assessment reveals her commitment to continuous improvement.
Despite the challenges, Gauff expressed optimism about her performance under pressure. She commented, “It does give positives that I am winning these matches having literally one part of my game on a crutch. If I can stand on both feet, then I can only imagine that it will be a lot more straight-forward and a lot easier for me.” Her words indicate a deep confidence in her overall potential.
Elsewhere in the tournament, American qualifier McCartney Kessler delivered a notable upset, defeating fourth-seeded Mirra Andreeva in straight sets, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Kessler’s impressive run continues as she prepares to face Marta Kostyuk in the next round, following Kostyuk’s tough win against Daria Kasatkina.
Dayana Yastremska also made headlines with her strong performance, knocking out eighth-seeded Emma Navarro with a 7-5, 6-4 victory in a night match. Yastremska is now set to compete against ninth-seeded Elena Rybakina, who secured her spot with a dominant win over Jaqueline Cristian.
As the National Bank Open progresses towards its thrilling conclusion, the resilience and skill displayed by these top athletes continue to captivate tennis fans. Gauff’s ongoing journey in Montreal, overcoming her serving struggles with sheer determination, remains a compelling narrative for the tournament.