Coco Gauff’s journey at the Canadian Open concluded in the fourth round with a loss to Victoria Mboko, the tournament’s home favorite. Mboko secured a commanding straight-sets victory, 6-1, 6-4, marking her first win against a top ten player and advancing to the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time.
The 18-year-old Canadian’s triumph represents the biggest of her career so far, making her the first local player to reach the last eight in Montreal since Bianca Andreescu achieved the feat in 2019. Gauff later shared her thoughts on Mboko’s performance and potential following the match.
Coco Gauff Reflects on Differences and Future Potential of Mboko
When questioned about drawing comparisons between herself and Victoria Mboko, Gauff emphasized their distinct playing styles and personalities. She said she does not view Mboko as a reflection of herself, stating that such comparisons are unfair, especially given the pressure she herself has faced being likened to Serena or Venus Williams.
Despite this, Gauff acknowledged Mboko’s promising future in tennis, highlighting her athleticism, strong ball striking, and positive demeanor on court. She noted that Mboko does not get overly negative during matches and praised the young player’s support system, which she believes is crucial for young athletes navigating the tour.
“Yeah, hopefully we have many more battles, and I look forward to playing her again in the future.”
—Coco Gauff, Professional Tennis Player
Victoria Mboko’s Rise During a Breakthrough Season
Mboko’s breakthrough on the WTA Tour in 2025 has been marked by several key milestones. She claimed her first tour-level victory at the Miami Open after receiving a wildcard, defeating Camila Osorio before falling to Paula Badosa in the next round.
Her progress continued through the Italian Open where she made the second round, followed by her debut in a Grand Slam at Roland Garros, where she reached the third round. At Wimbledon, after successful qualifying rounds, Mboko defeated the 25th seed Magdalena Frech in the opening round, though she was eliminated in the subsequent match by Hailey Baptiste.
Despite an early loss to Elena Rybakina at the Washington Open, Mboko has been dominant in Montreal, advancing through her section of the draw while dropping just one set to date.
Significance of Mboko’s Win and What Lies Ahead
Mboko’s victory over Gauff signifies a notable shift in Canadian tennis, highlighting the rise of a new generation ready to challenge established stars. Her advancement to the quarterfinals of a prestigious WTA 1000 event reflects growing confidence and skill at a young age, echoing the breakthrough paths of players like Bianca Andreescu.
For Gauff, this loss represents a moment of reflection on the evolving competition and the arrival of talented peers reshaping the tour landscape. Both players share potential for many future encounters, raising anticipation for exciting matches ahead on the WTA circuit.