Coco Gauff is back in the win column, but it wasn’t easy. The World No. 2 and top seed at the National Bank Open overcame an error-filled performance to edge out fellow American Danielle Collins 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2) in a marathon second-round clash in Montreal.
The nearly three-hour match tested Gauff’s nerves, as she racked up 23 double faults and 74 unforced errors. Despite the struggles, she dug deep and showed the trademark resilience and fight that have come to define her young career.
A Gritty Return to Form After Wimbledon Upset
After a shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon earlier this month, Gauff arrived in Montreal with something to prove. Her French Open triumph in June had raised expectations sky-high, but her grass-court woes reminded fans that even champions face growing pains.
This hard-fought win over Collins wasn’t pretty-but it was crucial. Gauff admitted after the match that her performance wasn’t her best but emphasized that winning ugly is sometimes part of the journey.
“I was two points away from losing… I just told myself to stay in it,” said Gauff post-match. “I wasn’t feeling my rhythm, but I knew I had to fight.”
Eyes on the US Hard-Court Swing
With Aryna Sabalenka withdrawing from the tournament, Gauff now stands as the top seed in the Montreal title, which comes with pressure but also opportunity. Next, she will face Veronika Kudermetova in the third round, a test of both her form and mental strength.
The North American hard-court swing-culminating in the 2025 US Open, is Gauff’s chance to re-establish dominance on home soil. But to succeed, she must correct the glaring issues from Tuesday’s match: her serve and decision-making under pressure.
Serving Woes Continue to Haunt
Let’s talk numbers. Gauff’s 23 double faults in one match are staggering, especially at the elite level. Her serve, once a weapon, has become a liability when nerves creep in. This isn’t the first time this pattern has emerged-similar struggles appeared at Wimbledon, where she also posted a high double-fault count in her loss to Dayana Yastremska.
Analysts point to her rushed service motion and occasional hesitation in ball tosses. If Gauff wants to go deep in Montreal and defend her US Open crown next month, her team must address this immediately.
Balancing Stardom and Expectations
Off the court, Gauff has handled the spotlight with maturity beyond her years. In a light-hearted exchange with reporters this week, she made a cheeky remark about her “relationship status” and joked about her friendship with Jessica Pegula. It’s a reminder that despite the pressure, she remains grounded and refreshingly relatable.
But make no mistake: Coco is a competitor. At just 21, she has already won two Grand Slam titles, risen to World No. 2, and become the face of American tennis. The expectations are enormous—and every match now feels like a test of legacy as much as form.
What’s Next for Coco?
- Next Match: vs. Veronika Kudermetova (3rd Round, National Bank Open)
- Focus Area: Serve consistency, composure under pressure
- Big Target: 2025 US Open title defense
Final Thoughts
Coco Gauff’s win over Danielle Collins wasn’t her cleanest performance, but it was a gritty reminder of her resilience. Champions aren’t defined by perfection-they’re defined by persistence. And if Gauff can clean up her serve and keep fighting the way she did in Montreal, the road to more titles remains wide open.
Stay tuned to SportSnip.com for full coverage of Coco Gauff’s run in Montreal and all the action leading up to the 2025 US Open!
