Coco Gauff dodged a bullet in Rome on Monday, and the tennis world is taking notes. The world No. 3 found herself just one point away from an early exit when her opponent, Jovic, held a match point at 5-3. But a missed forehand into the net handed Gauff a lifeline, and she seized it, storming through the third set to secure her spot in the third round.

After the match, Tennis Channel analysts Jim Courier and Tracy Austin broke down what they saw—and it wasn't just about the comeback. "Those are the things you can't see—Coco's grit and determination," said Courier, a two-time Australian Open champion. "When you watch young players come up, you see the technique, but you also look at the results. Sometimes the players with the best technique aren't the ones who have the results. Coco's serve and forehand are works in progress, but there's never been a question about her commitment to the contest and the battle. She showed it again on match point. It was her weaker side, her forehand, that held strong. That was super important to give Jovic a chance to flinch."

Austin highlighted Gauff's aggressive play when facing elimination, a trait that's becoming her signature. But Gauff herself was quick to acknowledge the fine line she walked. "Yeah, I think for me it just shows like every point matters in tennis," she said, admitting that this is an area she needs to address. "One day it will cost me an important title or opportunity down the line in 2024."

This isn't the first time Gauff's resilience has been tested. At just 19, she faced a similar battle against 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the third round of the French Open, winning 6-7, 6-1, 6-1. Experience may have played a role then, but as Gauff continues to grow, the question remains: Can she refine her technique before her fighting spirit alone isn't enough? For now, the warrior in Rome lives to fight another day.