Coco Gauff’s 2025 Canadian Open campaign commenced with a challenging victory, a match that not only tested her on-court resilience but also shed light on her surprisingly close relationship with fellow WTA Tour competitor, Danielle Collins. This opening round encounter against the formidable American proved far from straightforward, requiring Gauff to summon her deepest reserves from the outset.
Following the intense on-court battle in Montreal, Gauff spoke candidly about her opponent, revealing a history and mutual respect that extends beyond the competitive arena. Her remarks underscored the unique dynamic she shares with Collins, highlighting the blend of fierce competition and genuine personal connection that often characterizes elite tennis rivalries.
Gauff praised Collins not just for her prowess as a player but also for her character, stating, “She is obviously a tough competitor and great tennis player, great person. I got to know her really well at the United Cup, and she is always nice to me.” This sentiment offered a glimpse into the camaraderie that can exist even between opponents at the highest levels of the sport.
Their bond solidified during the 2025 United Cup, where Gauff and Collins were teammates, contributing significantly to the US regaining the title. This team event provided a unique opportunity for players from different professional circuits to interact more closely, fostering relationships that might not develop during regular tour stops.
During the United Cup, Gauff showcased her exceptional form, winning all four of her matches in the group stage. Her dominant performances were instrumental in propelling the American team into the quarterfinals with relative ease, setting a strong precedent for their tournament aspirations.
The United States ultimately triumphed in the final against Poland. Gauff once again delivered under pressure, securing a crucial victory over Iga Swiatek. This win, coupled with Taylor Fritz’s subsequent defeat of Hubert Hurkacz, sealed a decisive 2-0 victory for the Americans, earning them another United Cup championship.
While Danielle Collins did not feature in any singles matches during that specific United Cup, her presence was felt, notably for an expressive eye-roll gesture directed at Swiatek during the final. This incident, while minor, added another layer to the public perception of her spirited personality, further illustrating the strong characters within American tennis.
Reflecting on her Canadian Open opening performance, Gauff expressed a desire for improvement, acknowledging certain aspects of her game. She optimistically hoped that any less-than-perfect play was now behind her, anticipating stronger performances in the subsequent rounds of the tournament.
The ongoing narrative between Coco Gauff and Danielle Collins exemplifies the evolving relationships within professional tennis — a sport where competitors can also forge deep connections. Their interactions, both on and off the court, continue to captivate fans and add a compelling human element to the intense world of the WTA Tour.
