August 03, (THEWILL) — Eighteen-year-old Canadian wildcard Victoria Mboko delivered the upset of the tournament, defeating top-seeded Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-4 in the third round of the WTA 1000 event in Montreal.
The victory, achieved in just 62 minutes, marked Mboko’s first career win over a top-five opponent.
The teenager saved all four break points she faced and capitalised on Gauff’s erratic form, breaking the reigning French Open champion three times.
Mboko credited the home crowd for lifting her during crucial moments, particularly in the final game.
“I remember in the last game when I was up 5-4, the crowd started cheering even louder,” she said.
He added, “I used that as fuel to push myself. Their support helped me tremendously.”
The win continues a remarkable rise for Mboko, who began 2025 ranked 333rd but has since climbed to 85th in the world.
Gauff, who struggled with 37 double faults across her first two matches, appeared sluggish from the outset.
The American was broken twice in the first set, which Mboko claimed in just 25 minutes. Though Gauff improved in the second set, she failed to convert three break points in the seventh game, including a poorly executed drop shot and a forehand into the net.
“She played a great match,” Gauff admitted. “I knew it would be tough, and she took advantage when I let up.”
Mboko will face Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the quarter-finals after the Spaniard overcame China’s Zhu Lin 7-5, 1-6, 6-2.
The Canadian’s aggressive baseline play and composure under pressure have made her a standout performer this week.
Meanwhile, Gauff’s early exit raises questions about her form ahead of the US Open, where she will aim to defend her 2024 title.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
