On a Brilliant night of tennis in Montreal, 18-year-old Victoria Mboko delivered the biggest shock of the 2025 National Bank Open by defeating world No. 2 and French Open champion Coco Gauff in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.
Victoria Mboko didn’t just defeat one of tennis’s top stars – she also made history as the youngest Canadian in nearly 40 years to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 tournament. And she did it with style, power, and an ice-cold nerve.
A Match to Remember
From the very first rally, Mboko looked fearless. Mboko snatched an early break from Gauff and maintained full control from there. She wrapped up the opening set in just 26 minutes, and although Gauff tried to find her rhythm in the second, Mboko’s sharp movement and aggressive play kept her firmly on top.
What truly stood out was Mboko’s mental strength. Facing five break points, she didn’t waver once. In contrast, Gauff was shaky, hitting six double faults and struggling with consistency throughout the match.
A New Hero for Canadian Tennis?
With Bianca Andreescu struggling with injuries and Leylah Fernandez still regaining top form, Canada may have just found its next tennis sensation. Mboko’s win wasn’t just an upset – it felt like a statement.
During her post-match interview-partly spoken in French-Mboko expressed heartfelt gratitude to the home fans, describing the moment as “unbelievable.” The crowd erupted in loud applause, a fitting response to her historic performance. It’s not every day that an unseeded teenager dismantles a Grand Slam champion on home soil.
Also Read:
Double Faults, No Problem: Gauff Survives Montreal Battle
Emma Raducanu Shines in National Bank Open Debut, Boulter Crashes Out
Editor’s Take: Is This Mboko’s Breakout Moment?
Let’s be clear – Victoria Mboko’s journey didn’t begin here. She’s been dominating the ITF circuit, winning five titles in early 2025, and recently made a strong impression at the French Open, reaching the third round. Her aggressive baseline game, combined with quick movement and a surprisingly mature tactical approach, shows she’s not just another rising star – she’s a future Top 10 player in the making.
The win over Gauff will boost her confidence, her ranking, and her fan base. It’s no longer a question of if Mboko can win on the big stage – but when she’ll do it consistently.
What’s Next?
Mboko’s next opponent in the quarterfinals is Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, another breakout player having a dream run in Montreal. If Mboko wins, she’ll advance to her first WTA 1000 semifinal – and possibly crack the WTA Top 50.
With the US Open just weeks away, this victory sends a strong signal to the rest of the tour: Victoria Mboko is here to stay.
Quick Facts About Victoria Mboko
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Canadian (born in Charlotte, USA)
- Current WTA Ranking: Around No. 86
- Career Titles: 5 ITF Singles Titles (2025)
- Notable Wins: Coco Gauff (WTA 1000, Montreal 2025)
- Playing Style: Aggressive baseline, two-handed backhand, quick mover
Final Thoughts
Every tennis generation has its breakthrough moment – and for Canadian fans, this might just be it. Victoria Mboko isn’t just winning matches – she’s rewriting expectations.
If you haven’t started following her journey yet, now’s the time.
