In a thrilling display of resilience, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, staged a remarkable comeback at the 2025 Madrid Open, defeating Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in a grueling second-round match. The final scoreline of 0-6, 6-2, 7-5 marked only the second time in Gauff’s career that she has won a WTA-level match after losing the first set without securing a single game—a feat she last accomplished in 2021 against Elise Mertens in Eastbourne. This victory, which unfolded over two hours and 22 minutes on the clay courts of La Caja Mágica, showcased Gauff’s champion mindset and her ability to battle through adversity.
Gauff, seeded No. 4, entered the match as the favorite, holding a perfect 2-0 record against Yastremska on clay from their encounters in Madrid and the French Open in 2024. However, the match began disastrously for the American. Yastremska, known for her aggressive play, dominated the first set, blanking Gauff 6-0 in a mere 24 minutes. Gauff struggled with her serve, winning only 29 percent of her first-serve points and committing eight double faults throughout the match. “Dayana was playing some great tennis in the first set,” Gauff admitted in her on-court interview, reflecting on the early setback. “I had to fight hard.”
Undeterred, Gauff recalibrated in the second set. She broke Yastremska’s serve in the opening game and, despite dropping her own serve immediately after, rattled off five consecutive games to level the match at 6-2. Her ability to find rhythm on the clay, where she has historically thrived, was evident as she began to dictate points with her trademark athleticism and defensive prowess. The crowd at Park Manzanares, sensing a shift in momentum, roared in support of the young star’s resurgence.
The deciding set was a rollercoaster, lasting over an hour and testing both players’ mental fortitude. Gauff surged to a 3-0 lead with two breaks of Yastremska’s serve, only for the Ukrainian to claw back, leveling the score at 3-3. The set became a battle of attrition, with both players trading breaks in seven of their 14 service games. Gauff earned another break to lead 5-3 and held three match points on Yastremska’s serve, but the Ukrainian saved them with fearless shot-making. Yastremska then broke Gauff’s serve to tie the set at 5-5, leaving the outcome hanging in the balance.
With the pressure mounting, Gauff dug deep. She secured a crucial break for a 6-5 lead and, on her fourth match point, sealed the victory with a forehand winner. “I did well to hang in there and get the win,” Gauff said, her relief palpable. The triumph was a testament to her growth as a player who can grind out results even when her game isn’t at its peak. Her performance echoed her 2021 Eastbourne comeback, where she also rallied from a 0-6 first set to defeat Mertens 7-6, 7-5.
This victory keeps Gauff’s Madrid Open campaign alive as she advances to face compatriot Ann Li in the third round. However, the match exposed areas for improvement, particularly her serve, which faltered under pressure. Gauff’s 46 percent first-serve point win rate and multiple double faults highlight the need for greater consistency as she navigates the challenging clay season. Still, her ability to overcome a one-sided first set and a tenacious opponent underscores her mental toughness—a quality that has defined her rise to World No. 4.
Gauff’s journey in 2025 has been a mix of highs and lows. After a stellar start, leading the United States to the United Cup title and reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals, she stumbled in Melbourne against Paula Badosa. The Madrid Open, the first WTA 1000 event of the clay season, offers a chance to regain momentum. With formidable opponents like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka looming, Gauff’s resilience will be tested further. For now, her hard-fought win over Yastremska serves as a reminder of her potential to conquer challenges and cement her status as a clay-court contender.
As Gauff prepares for her next match, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Her ability to turn a match around, even when staring down defeat, has endeared her to tennis enthusiasts worldwide. The Madrid Open, with its rich history and electric atmosphere, is the perfect stage for Gauff to continue her redemption arc. Whether she can harness this gritty performance to propel her deeper into the tournament remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Coco Gauff is a fighter, and she’s not done yet.
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