By American star Coco Gauff delivered one of the most dramatic performances of the 2026 WTA season, saving three match points to defeat Elise Mertens and secure her place in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships quarterfinals.
The victory was not just about advancing to the next round — it was about resilience, composure, and belief under pressure.
A Difficult Start
The match began in challenging fashion for Gauff. Her serve, typically a reliable weapon, struggled early. Double faults crept in, and Mertens capitalized on second-serve returns. The Belgian’s steady baseline game forced Gauff into extended rallies, extracting errors and controlling rhythm.
The first set slipped away quickly. Mertens maintained consistency while Gauff searched for timing. Momentum appeared firmly on the Belgian’s side, and the crowd sensed an upset brewing.
Turning Point Under Pressure
The second set is where the match transformed.
Facing three match points, Gauff could have unraveled. Instead, she elevated her level. A bold forehand winner erased the first match point. A strong first serve neutralized the second. On the third, she constructed a patient rally before forcing an error.
That sequence changed everything.
Rather than retreating into caution, Gauff began dictating play. Her movement sharpened. Her forehand gained depth. Her body language shifted from tense to determined. The tiebreak became a test of nerve — and Gauff’s composure held firm.
Winning the second set did more than level the score. It psychologically flipped the contest.
Third Set Dominance
Once momentum swung, Gauff controlled the decider. She reduced double faults, improved first-serve percentage, and stepped inside the baseline to attack returns.
Mertens, who had been steady throughout, began showing signs of fatigue and hesitation. The narrow margins that had favored her earlier now shifted toward Gauff.
An early break in the third set proved decisive. From there, Gauff maintained control, finishing the match with assertive shot-making and disciplined court coverage.
The comeback was complete — not through luck, but through mental toughness.
The Significance of the Win
Saving three match points is rare at this level of competition. Doing so in a WTA 1000 event against a seasoned opponent elevates the achievement further.
This victory reinforces Gauff’s growth as a competitor. In earlier stages of her career, tight pressure moments sometimes led to rushed decisions. In Dubai, she showed maturity. She trusted her patterns, executed under stress, and refused to concede mentally.
It also demonstrates her physical conditioning. Extended matches in Dubai’s conditions test endurance and recovery. Gauff’s ability to sustain intensity through three demanding sets suggests strong preparation.
Bigger Picture: Title Contender?
Advancing to the quarterfinals positions Gauff as a serious contender in Dubai. The draw remains competitive, but matches like this build confidence that carries through tournaments.
Resilience is often the defining trait of champions. Winning comfortably proves ability. Winning from the brink of defeat proves belief.
With her athleticism, improved serve mechanics, and increasing tactical awareness, Gauff continues to evolve. If she maintains composure in critical moments, her ceiling remains extremely high.
Final Thoughts
Tennis is as much mental as physical. In Dubai, Coco Gauff demonstrated both dimensions at full strength.
Three match points stood between her and elimination. Instead of folding, she responded with courage.
