Can Victoria Mboko Upset Coco Gauff in the Canadian Open?
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Synopsis
Victoria Mboko makes headlines by defeating top seed Coco Gauff at the Omnium Banque Nationale, marking a historic achievement as the youngest to reach the quarterfinals since Gauff. This stunning upset showcases Mboko's incredible talent and potential for the future.
Key Takeaways
- Victoria Mboko defeats Coco Gauff in a stunning upset.
- Secures a spot in the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open.
- Youngest player to reach this stage since Gauff in 2020.
- Second wild card to defeat a top seed in Canadian Open history.
- Continues her rise in the WTA Rankings.
Toronto, Aug 3 (NationPress) On Sunday, Victoria Mboko triumphed over the top seed, Coco Gauff, at the Omnium Banque Nationale, winning 6-1, 6-4 in just over an hour to secure her place in Monday's quarterfinals. Notably, she is the youngest player to reach this stage since Gauff herself three years ago.
Mboko is the second wild card in the Open Era to take down the top seed at the Canadian Open, following Stephanie Dubois in 2006 (against Kim Clijsters). She ranks as the fifth youngest player to defeat a top seed in a WTA 1000 event since the format was introduced in 2009, being older only than Gauff (Rome 2021), Mirra Andreeva (Indian Wells 2025), Belinda Bencic (Toronto 2015), and Kai Chen Chang (Tokyo 2009).
Additionally, Mboko is the youngest Canadian to reach the quarterfinals at the Canadian Open since Helen Kelesi in 1987, according to the WTA.
Starting the season ranked No. 333 in the PIF WTA Rankings, Mboko entered the tournament at No. 85. This victory over Gauff propels her to No. 53 in the live rankings, and another win would elevate her to No. 24.
Her journey began with 20 consecutive wins in smaller competitions, earning her four titles. She qualified in Rome, her second WTA Tour event, and previously pushed Gauff to three sets in a second-round match.
Demonstrating exceptional composure, Mboko saved all five break points against her while converting four of five against Gauff, which ultimately determined the outcome of the match.
Next, Mboko will face the winner of the match between Zhu Lin and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the quarterfinals on Monday.
The other quarterfinal features No. 24 seed Marta Kostyuk competing against No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina.
Kostyuk endured a grueling match against No. 28 McCartney Kessler, winning 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 in a marathon lasting 2 hours and 35 minutes. Meanwhile, Rybakina overcame No. 30 Dayana Yastremska in a similarly intense match, winning 5-7, 6-2, 7-5.
Point of View
I have witnessed numerous remarkable moments in sports history. Victoria Mboko's victory over Coco Gauff is not just a personal achievement, but it signifies a shift in the landscape of women's tennis. Her determination and skill demonstrate the immense potential of young athletes in today's competitive environment. This match will certainly be remembered as a pivotal moment in Canadian tennis.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Victoria Mboko?
Victoria Mboko is a talented young Canadian tennis player who recently made headlines by defeating the top seed in the Canadian Open.
How did Mboko perform against Gauff?
Mboko won decisively with a score of 6-1, 6-4, showcasing her skill and composure throughout the match.
What does this victory mean for Mboko's ranking?
This victory propels Mboko from No. 85 to No. 53 in the live WTA rankings, with the potential to reach No. 24 with another win.
When is Mboko's next match?
Victoria Mboko will compete in the quarterfinals on Monday against the winner of the match between Zhu Lin and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
What is the significance of this win?
Mboko's win marks her as the youngest Canadian to reach the quarterfinals at the Canadian Open since 1987, highlighting her potential in women's tennis.
