The tennis world was recently captivated by a remarkable upset at the National Bank Open in Montreal, where rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko delivered a stunning performance against top-seeded American Coco Gauff. In a match that lasted a mere 62 minutes, Mboko showcased her burgeoning talent, sending shockwaves through the WTA Tour and cementing her status as a player to watch.
Mboko, an 18-year-old wildcard ranked 85th globally, displayed an exceptional level of play, defeating Gauff in straight sets with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory. Her confident approach and powerful groundstrokes proved too much for the world No. 2, who struggled to convert crucial break points throughout the encounter, allowing Mboko to seize control and close out the match efficiently.
Following her triumphant win, Victoria Mboko expressed immense gratitude to the home crowd, whose fervent support, marked by chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole!”, resonated throughout the venue. “Your support was incredible,” Mboko shared in French, highlighting her joy and disbelief at overcoming such a formidable opponent on a significant stage.
Mboko’s ascent has been rapid and consistent, beginning the year by dominating the ITF circuit, securing five titles, including one as a qualifier. Her impressive record of 27 wins against only one loss underscores her dedication and skill. She made her WTA Tour debut earlier this year, even taking Gauff to three sets in their previous encounter in Rome, hinting at the potential she finally unleashed in Montreal.
Coco Gauff acknowledged Mboko’s impressive attributes, commenting on her opponent’s athleticism and consistent positive demeanor on court. Despite Gauff’s efforts, she failed to capitalize on three break opportunities during the match, while Mboko converted her sole chance, demonstrating a clinical efficiency that defined her victory.
This victory also placed Victoria Mboko into the history books of the Canadian Open. She became only the second wildcard in the Open Era to defeat the top seed, a feat last achieved by Stephanie Dubois in 2006. Additionally, Mboko is now the youngest Canadian quarter-finalist at the tournament since Helen Kelesi in 1987, further solidifying her remarkable trajectory in professional tennis.
Having started the season at No. 333 in the WTA Rankings, Mboko’s win over Gauff propelled her to No. 53 in the live rankings, with potential for further advancement. Her next challenge in the quarter-finals awaits, as the tennis community eagerly anticipates what more this Canadian prodigy can achieve. The US Open is also on the horizon, promising more thrilling action for fans of the sport.
