World number two Coco Gauff overcame significant serving struggles to defeat Danielle Collins at the National Bank Open in Montreal. Despite committing 23 double faults, the 21-year-old American prevailed in three sets on Tuesday, July 29. Her 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (2) victory marked her return to competition after a month-long break.
The match showcased Gauff’s mental toughness as she battled through her worst serving performance in recent memory. Fellow Floridian Collins pushed the French Open champion to the limit in their second-round encounter. Moreover, this victory demonstrated Gauff’s ability to win ugly when her usual precision abandoned her.
The triumph comes just weeks after Gauff made history at Roland Garros as the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015. Her resilience in Montreal proves she can grind out victories even when playing below her usual standards.
Serving Struggles Define Challenging Three-Set Battle in Montreal
Gauff’s serving woes dominated the storyline throughout the intense three-set match against Collins. The 23 double faults represented a career-high for the typically reliable server. Each set saw momentum swings as both players struggled to maintain consistency on serve.
“It was a frustrating match for me,” Gauff admitted to the Associated Press after the victory. “I felt like I was practicing well, and then I don’t think I transferred it today.” Her honest assessment reflected the gap between practice court precision and match-day execution.
Furthermore, the young champion acknowledged her disappointment with her overall performance despite securing the win. “Hopefully I got my bad match of the tournament out of the way, and I could come back stronger the next round,” she explained. This mindset shows her maturity in handling adversity.
French Open Champion Bounces Back from Wimbledon Disappointment
Gauff’s Montreal victory represents a crucial rebound following her shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon in June. Ukrainian player Dayana Yastremska stunned the tennis world by defeating the heavily favored American. The loss marked one of the biggest upsets of the grass court season.
“I don’t really like losing,” Gauff reflected after her Wimbledon defeat. “I just feel a little bit disappointed in how I showed up today. I felt like I could have been a little bit better.” Her self-critical approach demonstrates the high standards she sets for herself.
Additionally, the Wimbledon loss motivated Gauff to return stronger after her month-long break from competition. Tennis experts praised her decision to take time away from tournaments to reset mentally and physically. This strategic approach appears to be paying dividends in Montreal.
Historic Roland Garros Victory Establishes Gauff as Tennis Royalty
Gauff’s French Open triumph earlier this year cemented her status among tennis elite. She became the first American woman to capture Roland Garros since Serena Williams claimed the title in 2015. This achievement ended a nearly decade-long drought for American women at the prestigious clay court tournament.
The victory also marked Gauff’s second Grand Slam singles title following her breakthrough U.S. Open win at age 19. Her ability to win on different surfaces proves her versatility as a complete player. Moreover, the French Open success validated her status as Williams’ successor in American tennis.
Tennis historians note the significance of Gauff breaking the American drought at Roland Garros. Clay court tennis traditionally challenges American players who grow up primarily on hard courts. Her mastery of the surface suggests potential for multiple French Open titles in the future.
Rising Star Continues Building Impressive Trophy Collection
Beyond her Grand Slam successes, Gauff has accumulated an impressive collection of WTA titles across her young career. Her victories include the 2019 Linz Open, where she announced herself as a future star. Subsequently, she captured the 2021 Emilia-Romagna Open during the pandemic-affected season.
More recently, Gauff claimed the 2023 Auckland Open and Washington Open before her U.S. Open breakthrough. These titles demonstrate her ability to perform consistently across different tournaments and conditions. Each victory has contributed to her rapid rise up the world rankings.
Furthermore, her success spans multiple surfaces and tournament levels, from WTA 250 events to Grand Slams. This versatility suggests longevity at the top of women’s tennis. Tennis analysts predict many more titles in her future as she enters her prime years.
Mental Toughness Separates Champions from Talented Players
Gauff’s ability to win despite serving poorly showcases the mental fortitude that separates champions from merely talented players. Lesser players might have crumbled under the pressure of 23 double faults against a dangerous opponent. Instead, she found ways to compete and ultimately prevail.
The young American’s composure in crucial moments proved decisive in the final set tiebreak. She dominated the tiebreak 7-2 despite her serving struggles throughout the match. This clutch performance demonstrates her championship mentality when matches are on the line.
Moreover, her honest post-match assessment shows maturity beyond her 21 years. Rather than making excuses, she acknowledged her poor performance while expressing confidence in improvement. This self-awareness and accountability are hallmarks of great champions.
Canadian Tournament Sets Stage for Summer Hard Court Season
As the top seed in Montreal, Gauff carries significant expectations into the remainder of the National Bank Open. Her next opponent, former Top 10 player Veronika Kudermetova, presents another challenging test on July 31. The Russian possesses the power and experience to trouble any opponent on her best day.
The Canadian tournament serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming U.S. Open swing. Gauff will want to build momentum and confidence heading into her title defense in New York. Strong performances in Montreal and Cincinnati typically translate to success at Flushing Meadows.
Additionally, the hard court season represents Gauff’s favorite surface where she has enjoyed her greatest successes. Her combination of speed, power, and court coverage makes her particularly dangerous on North American hard courts. Tennis fans can expect fireworks as she defends her ranking and reputation.
