Coco Gauff’s incredible run to victory at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal has drawn widespread praise from fans, pundits, and former champions—but none more proudly than Serena Williams’ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. The renowned French tennis mentor, who worked with Williams during some of her most dominant years, had boldly predicted that Gauff would win the title despite her recent inconsistency and struggles with double faults. Following her dramatic triumph in the final, Mouratoglou took to social media to praise Gauff’s mental strength, calling the win a “true testament to her guts and character.”
Gauff’s Montreal campaign wasn’t smooth sailing. The 20-year-old battled through a series of gritty matches, including a nearly three-hour quarterfinal against Danielle Collins in which she committed 23 double faults. But what stood out, according to Mouratoglou, wasn’t just her raw talent—it was her resilience. “What Coco showed in Montreal wasn’t perfection, it was pure heart,” he said in a post-match interview. “Many players would crumble with that kind of pressure, especially when your serve is failing. But Coco kept fighting. That’s the mark of a future legend.” Mouratoglou’s faith in Gauff is nothing new—he’s been vocal about her championship mindset since her breakout at Wimbledon in 2019.
Gauff’s final match in Montreal was a microcosm of her entire journey—a rollercoaster of nerves, shot-making, and refusal to back down. After dropping the first set, she bounced back with aggressive baseline play and sharp footwork, ultimately defeating a red-hot opponent in straight sets. Her ability to reset after setbacks and deliver under pressure confirmed Mouratoglou’s view that Gauff is not just a rising star, but a current force on the WTA Tour. “She’s maturing fast, learning how to win ugly when needed. That’s what separates great players from the rest,” he emphasized.
The win marks a major milestone in Gauff’s career and could be a crucial momentum shift as the U.S. Open approaches. With Mouratoglou’s prediction coming true, the tennis world is abuzz about what’s next for the American. More importantly, her performance in Montreal reinforced why she’s one of the sport’s most inspiring figures—one who wears pressure with pride and turns adversity into fuel. As Mouratoglou summed it up: “Coco didn’t just win a title. She won belief. In herself. And in all of us who already believed she could be great.”
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