Coco Gauff recently responded to the moment she was accidentally hit on the back of the head by her compatriot and Madrid Open doubles partner, Robin Montgomery. The 2023 US Open champion playfully credited her braids for protecting her and absorbing most of the impact.
Coco Gauff opened up on getting hit by Robin Montgomery at the Madrid Open
Gauff made her much-awaited return to the doubles format at the 2025 Madrid Open, partnering with Montgomery. The singles World No. 4 and her compatriot started strong, securing a straight-set win over Caroline Dolehide and Desirae Krawczyk in the first round.
The duo defeated the Australian pair of Ellen Perez and Storm Hunter 6-4, 6-3 in the second round to reach the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event. Here, they locked horns with Victoria Azarenka and Ashlyn Krueger on Apr. 29.
The incident occurred in the ninth game of the first set, with Azarenka and Krueger leading 5-3, when Montgomery fired a quick serve that struck the back of Gauff’s head. The 2023 US Open champion, however, seemed alright as she got up soon after getting hit, before reassuring that she was fine.
Moreover, Gauff later warmly hugged her partner before the game continued. The American reacted in the wake of this incident in her Instagram story. She reshared the clip and wrote:
“lolll thank God for my braids taking most of the blow lol”
The American pair’s partnership notably stemmed after Gauff parted ways with longtime teammate Jessica Pegula. Gauff had previously expressed joy upon pairing with Montgomery in Madrid.
Gauff and Montgomery couldn’t get past Krueger and Azarenka, eventually losing 6-7 (7), 3-6, and ending their doubles campaign. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old has had a stellar singles campaign so far.
Coco Gauff Has Reached the Singles Semifinals at Madrid Open 2025
Gauff has had a phenomenal singles run in Madrid so far, reaching the semifinals. The American, who received a first-round bye, defeated Dayana Yastremska 0-6, 6-2, 7-5 in the second round. She then defeated compatriot Ann Li 6-2, 6-3 in the third, before beating Belinda Bencic 6-4, 6-2 in the fourth to reach the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event.
The 21-year-old showed less effort to get past Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, defeating her 7-5, 6-1, and securing a place in the semifinals. Here, she will face World No. 2 and defending champion Iga Swiatek, in what will be the 15th meeting between the two on the WTA Tour.
The Pole holds a massive 11-3 head-to-head advantage against the American and whoever prevails, will face either Aryna Sabalenka or Elina Svitolina in the final of the Madrid Open.