Madrid Open 2025: Coco Gauff Survives Scare to Defeat Yastremska in Three-Set Thriller
Coco Gauff overcame a nightmare start to produce a stunning comeback in her opening match at the 2025 Madrid Open, defeating Dayana Yastremska 0–6, 6–2, 7–5 in a dramatic three-set battle on Thursday.
The 21-year-old American, currently ranked World No. 4, looked on the brink of an early exit after being bageled in the first set by the in-form Ukrainian. But Gauff rallied with resilience and firepower, turning the tide in front of a tense Madrid crowd.
First-Set Blowout: Yastremska Dominates Early
It was a brutal start for Gauff, who was broken in her opening service game after Yastremska stormed out to a 2–0 lead. The Ukrainian continued her aggressive form, pushing Gauff around the court and capitalizing on multiple unforced errors.
Gauff struggled to find rhythm as Yastremska completed the first-set bagel (6–0) in under 30 minutes, breaking the American three times and looking destined for a major upset.
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Gauff Flips the Script in Set Two
Down but far from out, Gauff responded immediately in the second set, breaking Yastremska to open the frame. Though the Ukrainian responded with a break of her own, it was the American who took control from there.
With sharper footwork and improved first-serve percentages, Gauff reeled off five straight games to close out the set 6–2, leveling the match and energizing the crowd.
Final Set Drama: Momentum Swings Until the End
Gauff looked to have seized control early in the deciding set, building a 3–0 lead. But Yastremska, refusing to fade, clawed back to level the match at 3–3, then broke again late to tie it once more at 5–5 after Gauff had gone up 5–3.
With nerves on edge, Gauff secured another crucial break and served for the match a second time. After saving two break points and squandering three match points, the American finally sealed the win on her fourth match point, capping off a gritty comeback in just over two hours.
“It wasn’t the way I wanted to start, but I just told myself to keep fighting. That’s what I do best,” Gauff said post-match.
Match Stats (Key Highlights):
- Coco Gauff def. Dayana Yastremska: 0–6, 6–2, 7–5
- Aces: Gauff – 4 | Yastremska – 6
- Break Points Saved: Gauff – 5/10 | Yastremska – 4/11
- Winners: Gauff – 23 | Yastremska – 28
- Unforced Errors: Gauff – 31 | Yastremska – 37
What’s Next for Gauff?
With the scare behind her, Coco Gauff advances to Round 3 of the Madrid Open where she’s expected to face either Elena Rybakina or Sara Sorribes Tormo. The American remains a strong contender for the WTA 1000 title, especially with reigning champion Iga Swiatek on the opposite side of the draw.
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