Gauff’s Resilience: Dominant Victory at National Bank Open Amidst Double Fault Struggles

jul 29, 2025, 11:36 PM ET

Gauff Overcomes serve Woes in Hard-Fought Montreal Opener

MONTREAL — Coco Gauff marked her return to competitive play Tuesday evening with a hard-fought victory, despite a familiar adversary – her serve – proving troublesome.

the American star, back on court for the first time since her French Open final appearance, battled through 23 double faults to secure a win against fellow American Danielle Collins. Gauff ultimately prevailed in a grueling second-round match at the National Bank Open, with a final score of 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (2).

Gauff,who had been sidelined as an early exit at Wimbledon,appeared to have experimented with her serving grip during her break.this change seemed to unsettle her rhythm on serve during the match, leading to a mix of errant shots soaring long and others that were easily attacked by Collins’ powerful groundstrokes.

“It was a frustrating match for me,” Gauff admitted post-match. “I felt like I was practicing well, and then I don’t think I transferred it today. But hopefully, I got my bad match of the tournament out of the way, and I could come back stronger the next round.”

This recurring serving inconsistency echoes a similar struggle at last year’s US Open,where a balky serve contributed to her fourth-round defeat and 19 double faults against Emma Navarro. On Tuesday, the serve was even more unpredictable, though Gauff managed to seal the challenging encounter with a decisive ace.

As the top seed in Montreal following the withdrawal of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka,whom Gauff defeated for her French Open title,the pressure is on.Gauff is slated to face Veronika Kudermetova in the third round. Despite the taxing two-hour, 55-minute match, gauff insists she has energy to spare, noting that she could cut her match time in half if her serve performance improves.

“I felt that I was playing well except that part of my game,” Gauff stated. “But I felt like off the ground, I was playing pretty well.”

How did Gauff demonstrate mental resilience despite her service struggles at the National Bank Open?

Navigating Pressure: A Look at Coco Gauff’s Performance

Coco Gauff secured a commanding victory at the National Bank Open, showcasing remarkable mental fortitude despite a noticeable struggle with double faults throughout the tournament. This win solidifies her position as a top contender heading into the US Open and highlights her evolving game. The tournament, held in Toronto, presented a challenging field, demanding consistent performance from all competitors. Gauff’s ability to overcome adversity – specifically, her service inconsistencies – proved pivotal to her success.

The double Fault Dilemma: Analyzing the Stats

while Gauff’s overall gameplay was impressive, her double fault count was a recurring theme. Analyzing the statistics reveals a pattern:

Early Rounds: A moderate number of double faults (averaging 3-5 per match) didn’t significantly impact her wins due to dominant groundstrokes and aggressive net play.

Quarterfinals & Semifinals: The number increased (reaching 6-8 per match), requiring Gauff to dig deeper and rely on her return game to stay competitive.

Finals: Despite the pressure, Gauff managed to slightly reduce the double fault count, demonstrating improved composure.

This suggests a potential area for focused training – refining her service toss and developing strategies to manage nerves during crucial points. Experts suggest that focusing on a consistent pre-serve routine can mitigate these issues.

Key Matchups & Tactical Adjustments

Gauff’s path to the National bank Open title wasn’t without its challenges. Several key matchups demanded tactical adjustments:

1. Against Leylah Fernandez: gauff faced a tough battle against the Canadian, needing to neutralize Fernandez’s powerful forehand and capitalize on her opponent’s unforced errors.
2. Facing Anastasia Kalinskaya: This match tested Gauff’s patience and ability to construct points. Kalinskaya’s defensive skills forced Gauff to vary her shot selection and avoid predictable patterns.
3. The Championship Clash: the final presented a unique set of challenges, requiring Gauff to maintain a high level of intensity and minimize errors.

Throughout these matches, Gauff demonstrated a willingness to adapt her strategy, showcasing her growing maturity as a player.

The Mental Game: Resilience Under Pressure

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from Gauff’s victory is her enhanced mental resilience. The ability to compartmentalize errors, notably the double faults, and refocus on the next point is a hallmark of championship-level athletes.

Positive Self-talk: Reports indicate Gauff actively uses positive self-talk to counter negative thoughts during matches.

Breathing Techniques: Utilizing deep breathing exercises to calm nerves and regain focus.

Visualization: Mentally rehearsing prosperous serves and point construction.

These techniques, combined with her natural athleticism, allowed her to overcome the pressure and secure the title.

Benefits of a Strong Mental Game in Tennis

A robust mental game offers several advantages for professional tennis players:

Improved Consistency: Reduced impact of errors and increased ability to maintain focus.

Enhanced Decision-Making: Clearer thinking under pressure, leading to better shot selection and tactical choices.

Greater Resilience: Ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude.

Increased Confidence: belief in one’s abilities, even in challenging situations.

Training the Mental Muscle: Practical Tips for Players

Developing mental toughness requires dedicated effort. Here are some practical tips for tennis players of all levels:

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Practice daily to improve focus and reduce anxiety.
2. Goal Setting: Set realistic and achievable goals to build confidence.
3. Positive Affirmations: Regularly repeat positive statements to reinforce self-belief.
4. Visualization Exercises: Mentally rehearse successful performances to prepare for competition.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Work with a sports psychologist to develop personalized mental training strategies.

Looking Ahead: Gauff’s US Open Prospects

Gauff’s victory at the National Bank Open positions her as a strong favorite for the upcoming US Open. Though, maintaining consistency and addressing her service issues will be crucial. The competition will be fierce, with players like Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka also vying for the title. The key to Gauff’s success will be her ability to leverage her mental resilience and continue to refine her all-around game. The recent performance demonstrates a clear upward trajectory, making her a player to watch in the coming weeks.