Coco Gauff Survives Serving Struggles to Edge Danielle Collins in Montreal Thriller
In one of the most dramatic and mentally grueling matches of the WTA season, Coco Gauff clawed her way past fellow American Danielle Collins in a rollercoaster 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2) battle at the National Bank Open in Montreal. Despite an astonishing 23 double faults, Gauff showed her trademark resilience, sealing the nearly three-hour contest with an emphatic ace. The win improves her record to an impressive 11-2 in decisive final-set tiebreakers, further cementing her reputation as one of the game’s fiercest competitors when the pressure peaks.
The match was a tense affair from the outset, with momentum swinging wildly between the two powerful baseliners. Gauff took the first set 7-5, surviving a late surge from Collins by holding her nerve in key service games. But the second set saw Collins capitalize on Gauff’s erratic serve, breaking her twice to level the match. Gauff’s struggles from the service line—particularly her second serve—were glaring, as she handed Collins multiple free points with a jaw-dropping number of double faults. Still, Gauff’s movement, defense, and counterpunching ability kept her within striking distance throughout.
The third set was a marathon of intensity and mental warfare. Neither player gave an inch, trading breaks and clutch shots under mounting pressure. Gauff, just 20 years old, displayed the maturity and composure of a seasoned veteran. Even as her serve faltered repeatedly, she never allowed the frustration to fully consume her game. The decisive super-tiebreaker was where Gauff truly shined. She raced out to an early lead and never looked back, showcasing brilliant angles, deep returns, and a final statement ace that brought the Montreal crowd to its feet.
This victory adds another chapter to Gauff’s growing reputation as a fighter—someone who finds a way even when her game isn’t clicking perfectly. While her serving issues remain a concern, her mental fortitude and ability to reset between points are fast becoming hallmarks of her rise. Danielle Collins, a gritty and emotional player herself, brought top-level intensity, but it was Gauff who found the extra gear when it mattered most. With this win, Gauff moves deeper into the Montreal draw and sends a clear message to the rest of the tour: even when she’s struggling, she’s never out.
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