Gauff Secures Hard-Fought Victory in Over Two-and-a-Half-Hour Match

Coco Gauff, the world’s number two player, overcame Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova with a score of 4–6, 7–5, 6–2. This win secures her spot in the last 16 of the Canadian Open, with the match held at Centre Court on Thursday.

The top-seeded Gauff achieved this victory in a contest that extended beyond two and a half hours, marked by intense rallies and strategic plays.

Despite a challenging first set, Gauff demonstrated resilience in the subsequent sets. Displaying an aggressive style, she ultimately seized the win from a determined Kudermetova.

Following her victory, Gauff commented on the match’s difficulty, while also recognizing her comeback in the second set. She also acknowledged Kudermetova’s strong serving performance.

“It was a really tough match,” Gauff stated. “I believe my mental game was strong, especially on the return. I was up against an opponent with a great serve. While I aim to improve my own serve, I’m overall happy to advance.”

Gauff, who is ranked second globally behind Aryna Sabalenka, entered the week looking to rebound from consecutive losses after her French Open victory, with early exits in Berlin and Wimbledon.

She further noted that these wins provide positive reinforcement when she performs at her best, leading to even stronger performances.

“These wins are encouraging, especially since one aspect of my game is currently a work in progress,” Gauff added. “Once I achieve full balance, I anticipate smoother and easier matches.”