On July 31, 2025, in Montreal at the National Bank Open, Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko pulled off a stunning upset against Coco Gauff, marking a pivotal moment in her rising tennis career. In a commanding 6-1, 6-4 win on home soil, Mboko not only overcame the world No. 2 in just 62 minutes but also set four new records during the Canadian Open, underscoring her entry into elite competition.
Details of the Match and Mboko’s Remarkable Performance
Mboko outplayed Gauff with remarkable poise, saving all four breakpoints she faced while Gauff struggled with 22 unforced errors in critical moments. This victory propelled Mboko from No. 333 to No. 85 in global rankings this season and established her as the last Canadian competitor remaining in both the Montreal and Toronto draws. The energized crowd at IGA Stadium witnessed Mboko’s fearless display, highlighting her swift movement and tactical precision throughout the contest.
Context and Rivalry: From Rome’s Clay Courts to Canada’s Hard Courts
Their rivalry added extra drama to this encounter, recalling their clash at the Italian Open earlier in the year where Gauff rebounded after dropping the first set to eventually secure the title in Paris. Reflecting on her movement, Gauff once said,
“I felt like I was playing myself,”
and added,
“I think I move pretty well, and she moves very well…As far as the movement, I think she’s up there with me on that.”
However, the hard-court conditions in Montreal favored Mboko’s style, allowing her to seize control and rewrite the narrative.
Breaking Records and Making Canadian Tennis History
Mboko’s win represents several historic milestones. She is the first Canadian at any level to defeat Gauff, the first Canadian teenager to beat a No. 1 seed at the National Bank Open, and only the second player under Gauff’s age to claim victory against her, following Diana Shnaider’s win in Toronto in 2024. Additionally, she became just the second teenager to topple Gauff in a WTA event after Iga Swiatek’s 2021 victory in Rome.
Implications for Mboko and Canadian Tennis Moving Forward
This breakthrough signals a possible new chapter for Canadian women’s tennis, as Mboko’s confidence and skill suggest she could be the next prominent star following in the footsteps of established players. With this landmark win against a top-ranked opponent, she has showcased her capacity to compete at the highest level and inspired fans eager to see her future progress. The Canadian Open triumph may prove to be a defining moment that elevates Mboko’s career and brings fresh excitement to the sport nationwide.