World number two Coco Gauff showed remarkable mental resilience on Thursday as she battled past Veronika Kudermetova in a hard-fought three-set encounter at the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal. The American, who is top seed at the event, rallied from a set and a break down to secure a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 win and advance to the fourth round.

Gauff Overcomes Serving Woes to Advance

Coming off her second Grand Slam win at Roland Garros, Gauff has faced challenges in the early rounds of recent tournaments, including disappointing openers at Wimbledon and Berlin. Her serve has been a recurring issue, and it showed again in Montreal with 14 double faults—seven in the first set alone.

Despite those troubles, Gauff held her nerve. After dropping the first set and conceding an early break in the second, she broke back to level at 3-3, regained momentum, and eventually forced a deciding set. With renewed energy and confidence, she cruised through the third, claiming the match and her spot in the last 16.

“I’m not playing my best tennis, but I’m finding a way to win, and that’s what matters right now,” Gauff said after the match. “Mentally, I’m proud of the way I’m pushing through.”

McCartney Kessler Shocks World No. 5 Andreeva

In another dramatic third-round match, American McCartney Kessler delivered a major upset by defeating world number five Mirra Andreeva in straight sets, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.

Andreeva, returning to competition after her Wimbledon quarter-final run, started strong with a 3-1 lead but faltered as Kessler fought back to win the first set in a tense tiebreaker. The 18-year-old Russian failed to capitalize on two opportunities to serve out the opening set, giving Kessler the edge.

Kessler dominated the early stages of the second set, breaking Andreeva twice to go up 4-1. A mid-set fall and an ankle injury forced Andreeva to take a medical timeout, raising concerns with the US Open looming in late August.

Kessler will now face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in what promises to be a tightly contested match. Kostyuk came from behind to defeat Daria Kasatkina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) and book her place in the quarter-final.

As the competition heats up in Montreal, all eyes will be on Gauff as she looks to sharpen her form ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year.

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