Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis phenom and world No. 2, delivered a gritty performance at the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal, battling past Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova in a thrilling third-round match on July 31. The top-seeded Gauff, fresh off her French Open triumph in June, edged out a 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 victory at IGA Stadium, advancing to the round of 16 despite a shaky serve that included 15 double faults. Yet, the match, which showcased Gauff’s trademark resilience, was overshadowed by a controversial moment in the broadcast booth. A commentator’s inappropriate remark, describing Gauff’s performance as “brutal,” ignited a firestorm among fans and players alike, casting a shadow over her hard-fought win.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Gauff, who had survived a scare against Danielle Collins in the second round, faced a formidable challenge in Kudermetova, a big-serving Russian ranked No. 39. The two had split their previous encounters this year, with Kudermetova winning in Doha (6-2, 3-6, 6-1) and Gauff prevailing in Stuttgart (6-2, 4-6, 7-6). In Montreal, Gauff’s aggressive baseline play and 70% service game win rate gave her an edge, but her 15 double faults—adding to the 23 she committed against Collins—kept Kudermetova in contention. “I felt like I was practicing well, but I don’t think I transferred it today,” Gauff admitted post-match, acknowledging her serving struggles. “Hopefully, I got my bad match out of the way.” Her tenacity shone through in the third set, where she broke Kudermetova’s serve at 5-5 to clinch the match after two hours and 20 minutes, setting up a clash with Elena Rybakina.
As Gauff celebrated, the commentator’s remark during the Tennis Channel broadcast sparked immediate backlash. Describing a missed forehand in the second set as “brutal,” the commentator’s tone suggested a critique not just of the shot but of Gauff’s overall game, which fans found dismissive of her effort against a tough opponent. Social media erupted, with one fan posting, “Calling Coco’s game ‘brutal’ is so uncalled for—she’s fighting out there, and that’s what champions do.” Another wrote, “The commentator needs to show some respect. Coco’s grinding, not brutalizing the court.” The term, perceived as overly harsh, especially given Gauff’s 32-10 season record and her ability to rally from a set down, fueled accusations of bias, with some pointing to the commentator’s history of critical remarks toward young players.
Gauff’s season has been a testament to her resilience. After a slow start, she peaked on clay, reaching finals in Madrid and Rome before defeating Aryna Sabalenka to win Roland Garros, becoming the first American woman to claim the title since Serena Williams in 2015. Her grass-court swing faltered with a first-round Wimbledon loss to Dayana Yastremska, but her hard-court return in Montreal signals her intent to defend her 2023 US Open title. “I knew it was going to be a tough day,” Gauff said of the windy conditions in her Kudermetova match, echoing her French Open final mindset. “It wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done.” Her ability to adapt, evidenced by her 10-2 record in deciding tiebreaks this season, underscores why many see her as a favorite for the upcoming US Open.
The controversy recalls past incidents where commentators’ words have stirred debate. In 2023, Gauff faced criticism over a time violation dispute at the US Open, where an ESPN commentator praised her for standing up to opponent Laura Siegemund’s delays, saying, “Well said,” as the crowd rallied behind her. This time, the tone was less supportive, prompting calls for accountability. “Commentators should lift players up, not tear them down,” one fan tweeted, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. The broadcaster has yet to address the incident, but the outcry highlights the scrutiny athletes like Gauff face, especially as a young Black woman in a predominantly white sport.
As Gauff prepares for Rybakina, who served 11 aces in her second-round win over Hailey Baptiste, she remains focused. “I felt like off the ground I was playing pretty well,” she said, signaling her determination to clean up her serve, which has plagued her with 74 double faults across two Montreal matches. With the tennis world watching, Gauff’s ability to rise above both on-court challenges and off-court controversies cements her as a star who thrives under pressure, ready to make her mark in New York.
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