Coco Gauff’s Canadian Open campaign has come to an end in the fourth round after losing to home hope Victoria Mboko.
Mboko defeated the first seed in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, to earn a maiden top ten win and advance to the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time.
It is by far the biggest win of the 18-year-old’s career, who became the first Canadian to reach the last eight at the tournament since Bianca Andreescu in 2019.
Following the match, Gauff discussed the level of her conqueror and said where she sees her game going in the future.
Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty ImagesCoco Gauff speaks about comparisons between herself and Victoria Mboko
When asked if she recognises herself in Mboko, Gauff said: “No, she’s a completely different player, completely different person.
“I’ve never been one to compare myself to others, whether it be like people comparing me to Serena or Venus, and I don’t think it’s fair to put that on her as well.
“Yeah, but I do see someone who is going to have a really bright future, for sure.
“I mean, she’s very athletic. She’s a great ball striker, and she seems pretty positive out there on the court, doesn’t get really too negative.
“I don’t know her too well, but I’ve gotten to talk to her a little bit over the course since Rome. I think she has a great support system around her, and I think that’s important when you’re young and on tour.
“Yeah, hopefully we have many more battles, and I look forward to playing her again in the future.”
Victoria Mboko’s breakthrough season on the WTA in 2025
Mboko recorded her first tour-level win at the Miami Open this year, where she was given a wildcard, beating Camila Osorio in the first round before losing to Paula Badosa.
She then reached the second round of the Italian Open before entering her first Grand Slam at Roland Garros, where she was knocked out in round three.
EventResultCanadian OpenQuarterfinalsWashington OpenSecond RoundWimbledonSecond RoundFrench OpenThird RoundItalian OpenSecond RoundMiami OpenSecond RoundVictoria Mboko’s results in WTA events this year
At Wimbledon, Mboko made it through qualifying and defeated 25th seed Magdalena Frech in her opening clash, but couldn’t find a way past Hailey Baptiste in the second round.
After losing to Elena Rybakina early on in the Washington Open, the young star is tearing through her half of the draw in Montreal, having dropped just one set so far.