MONTREAL — Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko delivered the shock of the tournament at the Canadian Open, stunning top seed Coco Gauff in a thrilling three-set battle to advance to the quarter-finals.
The 17-year-old wildcard, ranked No. 399 in the world, overcame the reigning US Open champion 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in front of an electrified home crowd at IGA Stadium. Mboko, who had never faced a top-10 player before, showcased fearless tennis against the world No. 3, marking the biggest win of her young career.
A Dream Come True for the Canadian Teen
Mboko, who grew up idolizing Canadian tennis stars like Eugenie Bouchard and Bianca Andreescu, described the victory as "a moment I’ll never forget—playing in front of my home crowd and beating a player like Coco is just surreal." The match lasted two hours and 18 minutes, with Mboko saving five break points in the decisive third set.
Gauff, who entered the tournament fresh off a title in Washington, struggled with unforced errors (42 in total) while Mboko remained composed under pressure. The Canadian’s aggressive baseline play and precise serving (winning 72% of first-serve points) kept Gauff on the back foot throughout.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
The turning point came in the third set when Mboko broke Gauff’s serve in the sixth game, consolidating with a hold to love. Gauff, known for her mental toughness, fought back but couldn’t recover from the deficit. Mboko sealed the win with a blistering forehand winner, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Highlights from the match included:
- Mboko’s fearless net approaches, winning 12 of 15 points at the net
- A 19-shot rally in the second set that ended with a Mboko backhand winner
- Gauff’s frustration boiling over as she smashed her racket after a missed break point
Gauff’s Reaction: "She Played Incredible"
In her post-match press conference, Gauff gave full credit to Mboko: "She played incredible today. I didn’t bring my best, but she took advantage of every opportunity. That’s what great players do." The 19-year-old American acknowledged the pressure of being the favorite but refused to make excuses.
Mboko’s Rapid Rise in Tennis
Mboko, who turned pro just last year, has been making waves on the ITF circuit with three titles in 2023. Her coach, former ATP player Frédéric Niemeyer, praised her work ethic: "Victoria has always had the talent, but her mental toughness is what sets her apart. She thrives in big moments."
The win propels Mboko into the quarter-finals, where she will face either Jessica Pegula or Marta Kostyuk. A victory there would make her the youngest Canadian Open quarter-finalist since Andreescu in 2019.
What This Means for Canadian Tennis
Tennis Canada CEO Michael Downey called the result "a defining moment for the next generation of Canadian tennis." With Leylah Fernandez and Felix Auger-Aliassime also advancing, the tournament has become a showcase for the country’s rising stars.
Mboko’s breakthrough follows in the footsteps of Andreescu, who won the Canadian Open as a teenager in 2019 before claiming the US Open weeks later. While it’s too early to predict similar success, her fearless performance against Gauff suggests a bright future.
Looking Ahead: Mboko’s Next Challenge
The young Canadian will need to recover quickly as she prepares for her next match. Pegula, the world No. 4, presents another formidable challenge, but Mboko remains unfazed: "I’m just going to play my game and enjoy every moment. This is why I train so hard."
Regardless of the outcome, Mboko’s victory over Gauff has already cemented her status as one of the most exciting young talents in tennis—and a new hero for Canadian fans.