Coco Gauff’s unexpected defeat at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal sent shockwaves through the tennis world, as the top seed fell to 18-year-old Canadian wildcard Victoria Mboko in a thrilling fourth-round match. The 21-year-old American struggled with her serve, racking up 42 double faults across three singles matches, including a staggering 23 in her second-round win over Danielle Collins. This loss sparked a wave of criticism from fans on social media, targeting Gauff’s persistent serving issues and perceived lack of consistency.
Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion and Gauff’s longtime mentor, swiftly came to her defense with a powerful 12-word statement on X: “Coco is a warrior; her spirit shines brighter than any loss.” This response ignited a firestorm online, with supporters rallying behind Williams’ words, praising her for uplifting the young star during a challenging moment. Critics, however, argued that Williams was deflecting from Gauff’s technical flaws, intensifying the debate over her performance.
Rennae Stubbs, Williams’ former coach, also weighed in, amplifying the discussion by critiquing Gauff’s serve on her podcast, The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast. She pointed out that Gauff’s ball toss and technique falter under pressure, particularly on outdoor courts where elements like wind exacerbate her issues. Stubbs expressed frustration that, despite Gauff’s two coaches, Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel, no significant improvements have been made to her serve.
Rick Macci, another of Williams’ former coaches, offered a more optimistic take, emphasizing Gauff’s mental toughness and athletic prowess despite her technical struggles. He suggested on X that her second serve could be fixed “in less than a week” with proper biomechanical adjustments, calling her mentality “beyond elite.” Macci’s comments sparked mixed reactions, with some fans appreciating his confidence in Gauff, while others questioned his claim’s feasibility.
Gauff’s loss to Mboko, a rematch of their competitive three-setter in Rome earlier in 2025, highlighted the young Canadian’s potential to challenge top players. The 18-year-old wildcard capitalized on Gauff’s 14 double faults in the match, securing a 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 victory to the delight of the home crowd. This defeat marked Gauff’s first major setback since her French Open triumph earlier in the season, where she became the first American woman to win the title since Williams in 2015.
The fan backlash on X was relentless, with some users labeling Gauff’s serve a “liability” and questioning her ability to maintain her No. 3 world ranking. Others defended her, pointing to her 31-10 record in 2025 and her resilience in battling through error-filled matches, like her 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2) win over Collins. The polarized reactions underscored the pressure Gauff faces as a young star often compared to Williams.
Williams’ 12-word retort not only silenced some critics but also shifted the narrative toward Gauff’s mental strength and potential for growth. Her statement resonated with fans who see Gauff as a role model, echoing Williams’ own journey of overcoming setbacks to dominate the sport. The tennis legend’s support highlighted the deep bond between the two, with Gauff previously calling Williams a “friend and mentor” in a letter reflecting on her career.
Stubbs, while critical, expressed admiration for Gauff’s character, calling her “the nicest kid” and suggesting the upcoming clay season could help her regain confidence. She noted that Gauff’s past success at Roland Garros, including her 2022 final and 2025 title, shows her ability to excel when her serve is controlled. The coach believes keeping double faults below six per match could make Gauff a dominant force again.
Macci’s analysis focused on Gauff’s athletic gifts, describing her movement as “a bullet” that shrinks the court and makes her one of the sport’s best athletes. He argued that her serving issues are not permanent, proposing that tweaks to her forehand and second serve could elevate her to World No. 1. His optimism contrasted with the skepticism of fans who pointed to Gauff’s 250+ double faults in 2025 as a persistent problem.
The controversy surrounding Gauff’s loss and Williams’ response has reignited discussions about the pressures young players face in the shadow of legends like Williams. Gauff, aware of her struggles, admitted post-match, “I’m disappointed in myself, but I’m working to figure it out.” As she prepares for the Cincinnati Open, her ability to address her technical flaws will be crucial for her US Open campaign.
The tennis community remains divided, with some seeing Gauff’s setbacks as growing pains and others viewing them as barriers to sustained success. Williams’ fierce defense has reminded fans of Gauff’s resilience, drawing parallels to her own career battles. As Gauff navigates this storm, the support of mentors like Williams could be the key to unlocking her full potential
