As Coco Gauff steps onto the court at the Canadian Open to face Danielle Collins, she’s looking to reset after a challenging grass-court season. The young American star’s early exit at Wimbledon, where she fell to Dayana Yastremska in straight sets, was a surprising setback for someone who has repeatedly demonstrated resilience and poise under pressure. But Gauff isn’t one to linger on disappointment. Rather, she sees these moments as opportunities to regroup, improve, and return stronger, especially as the hard-court swing in North America gets underway.

Gauff burst onto the tennis scene at a remarkably young age, capturing worldwide attention when she defeated Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 at just 15 years old. Since then, she has been one of the sport’s most exciting talents, known for her speed, athleticism, and mental fortitude. Her Wimbledon loss was unexpected but not defining, as the teenage sensation has shown time and time again that setbacks can fuel her growth.

Currently, American tennis fans have plenty to cheer about. Among Gauff’s compatriots, Taylor Townsend has been making significant strides in the doubles arena. Townsend recently added another WTA doubles title to her résumé, this time in Washington D.C. alongside Zhang Shuai. Her success propelled her to the world number one doubles ranking, an achievement that Gauff openly celebrated. “It’s super cool for Taylor to get the number one ranking,” Gauff shared, reflecting their longstanding friendship and mutual respect. “I have known Taylor for a long, long time, and I always root for her.”

Townsend’s poise and skill on court, especially in doubles, have been well-established throughout her career. Despite facing challenges, she has remained a fixture in top-level doubles draws, showcasing tenacity and excellent net play. These qualities make her partnerships formidable, as seen in her performances at the Grand Slams over recent years.

Another player who has garnered Gauff’s admiration is Czech great Katerina Siniakova. Widely regarded as one of the premier doubles players in the world, Siniakova’s partnership with Czech teammate Barbora Krejcikova has been dominant. Between them, they have amassed multiple Grand Slam doubles titles, including back-to-back wins at Wimbledon and the French Open in recent years. Gauff expressed enthusiasm about Siniakova’s consistent elite level, noting, “I have always considered her one of the best doubles players, right there with Townsend as the best on tour.” This high praise highlights the growing respect Gauff holds for doubles specialists and their impact on the sport.

The recent successes of these doubles stars serve as a source of inspiration not only to Gauff but to the broader American tennis community. While Gauff has found more fame in singles play, her admiration for doubles excellence signals a well-rounded appreciation for the sport’s different disciplines, which require teamwork, strategy, and swift adaptability.

The North American hard-court season is one of the most grueling and high-profile stretches on the tennis calendar. Players like Gauff often use these tournaments to set the tone as the tour heads toward the US Open, the year’s final Grand Slam. For Gauff, competing in the Canadian Open is both a chance to gain momentum and test herself against formidable opponents like Danielle Collins, known for her aggressive baseline play and mental toughness.

Historically, the Canadian Open—officially known as the National Bank Open—is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments outside the Grand Slams. Dating back to 1881 for men’s play and 1892 for women’s, it has witnessed the rise of many legends, from Bill Tilden to Martina Navratilova, and more recently stars like Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams. Playing well here has often been a predictor of success at the US Open, adding extra significance to Gauff’s endeavors in Toronto.

Coco Gauff’s journey embodies the spirit of young athletes who face immense pressure early in their careers yet manage to continually evolve. Her story resonates with fans because she combines youthful exuberance with a maturity beyond her years, making her matches compelling viewing. Off the court, she is also admired for her activism and commitment to social causes, adding depth to her public persona.

As Gauff prepares to take on Collins, she carries not just her ambition but also the hopes of many who believe her best tennis is still ahead. She’s aware of the ups and downs inherent in tennis, and as the saying goes, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Coco is clearly ready to turn challenges into opportunities, striking back with powerful serves and fierce determination.

The Canadian Open provides the perfect stage for Gauff to sharpen her game, regain confidence, and remind the world why she’s one of the sport’s brightest young stars. Whether she emerges victorious or not, this phase of her career promises growth, excitement, and the kind of competitive fire that tennis fans live for. As the racquets swing and the rallies unfold, one thing is certain: Coco Gauff is ready to hit the court running and chase her next breakthrough.