One of the great, gripping rivalries in 2025 women’s tennis is here, as Coco Gauff is pitted against her recalcitrant serve. The 21-year-old American struggled for the first five months of the year, got her groove back on clay where she picked up her second major at Roland Garros, and has stumbled since. While assorted players have been credited with various victories against her, the real culprit has been Gauff’s serve.
Earlier this year in Montreal, she double-faulted 23 times against Danielle Collins. (Bear in mind: it takes 24 points to win an entire set.) And that was a match Gauff actually won. It’s a credit to her that she fights through these moments when her most foundational, fundamental shot deserts her.
