MONTREAL โ Coco Gauff battled through another match plagued by double-faults, but still managed to secure a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory over Russiaโs Veronika Kudermetova on Thursday at the National Bank Open.
Earlier in the week, Gauff had persevered through a match marked by 23 double-faults and a tense third-set tiebreaker against Danielle Collins, showcasing her resilience and determination. Despite being down a set and a break against Kudermetova, the top-seeded Gauff demonstrated her mental toughness to advance to the round of 16.
โIt was a tough match,โ Gauff reflected post-game. โI thought I did well mentally, especially on the return. I was playing an opponent that served really well. Obviously, I would like to serve better on my end, but overall, just happy to get through.โ
Currently ranked second globally, just behind Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff came into this tournament with hopes of ending her losing streak, having exited early in both Berlin and Wimbledon after her French Open triumph.
Gauff added, โIt does give positives that I am winning these matches having literally one part of my game on a crutch. If I can stand on both feet, then I can only imagine that it will be a lot more straightforward and a lot easier for me.โ
She now prepares to face 18-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, who secured a 1-6, 6-3, 6-0 win over Marie Bouzkova from Czechia. Mboko is the only Canadian left in the competition.
Mboko admitted, โIt was a very difficult match, I feel like, mentally and physically for me. Iโm just really happy to have come out with the win.โ
In other action, American McCartney Kessler achieved an upset over fourth-seeded Russian Mirra Andreeva, winning 7-6 (5), 6-4. Kessler will now meet Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in the next round, who advanced by defeating 15th-seeded Australian Daria Kasatkina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).
Dayana Yastremska from Ukraine also made headlines by defeating eighth-seeded Emma Navarro 7-5, 6-4 in a night match, setting up a challenging encounter with ninth-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, who won against Jaqueline Cristian of Romania 6-0, 7-6 (5).
Elsewhere, tenth-seeded Elina Svitolina emerged victorious over Russiaโs Kamilla Rakhimova, securing her win with a 7-5, 6-2 scoreline.
Home Gauff Advances Despite 14 Double-Fault Challenges