Coco Gauff’s campaign at the 2025 Madrid Open has been filled with resilience, recovery – and a surprising doubles incident that had fans talking.
During a quarterfinal doubles clash with partner Robin Montgomery, Gauff was struck on the back of the head by a powerful serve, but her sense of humor, and hairstyle, turned a tense moment into a viral one.
Gauff, who recently made a surprise return to doubles in Madrid after previously suggesting she would step back from it, paired with fellow American and close friend Robin Montgomery.
But things took a humorous turn during the first set against Victoria Azarenka and Ashlyn Krueger. With the duo trailing 5-3, Montgomery accidentally hit Gauff on the back of the head with a serve at 15-15 – a moment caught on video and quickly shared across social media.
Coco later reposted the clip on Instagram with the caption: “lolll thank God for my braids taking most of the blow lol.” The lighthearted response drew laughs and showed the young star’s composure even in unexpected situations.
Gauff bounces back in singles with best Madrid run yet
While the doubles campaign ended with a straight-sets loss – 7-6(5), 6-3 – to Azarenka and Krueger, Gauff‘s singles journey is heating up. She powered into her first-ever Madrid Open semifinal with a commanding 7-5, 6-1 win over Mirra Andreeva.
After falling behind 5-4 and facing two set points in the first set, Gauff rebounded in dominant fashion, winning nine of the next 10 games in just over 90 minutes.
“Definitely, like, a nine,” Gauff said when rating her performance post-match. “I think I played really well and was able to stay composed even when I was facing set points, so I’m really happy with how I played today.”
The 21-year-old has now made her ninth career WTA 1000 semifinal and third on clay, having previously reached the final four in Rome in 2021 and 2024.
With newfound confidence, she prepares for a familiar nemesis: world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Gauff trails 3-11 in their head-to-head meetings, including an 0-5 record on clay – all in straight sets.
However, they’ve never met in Madrid, a variable Gauff hopes can tilt momentum in her favor.
From a funny moment in doubles to a serious singles charge, Gauff is proving her ability to stay grounded – and stylish – under pressure.
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