Everyone expected Coco Gauff to take care of business in Montreal, but Victoria Mboko had other plans. It’s one thing to lose a match, but it’s another when a rising local star takes the spotlight. Gauff didn’t just react with the usual press conference clichés; she opened up. Was this just a blip, or did Mboko do more than just win a match? There’s more to this story than the scoreboard shows.
What Did Coco Gauff Say About Victoria Mboko After the Canadian Open Loss?
Mboko, the 18-year-old Canadian, sent shockwaves through the crowd at the Canadian Open in Montreal by beating top seed Gauff and punching her ticket to the quarterfinals. Entering as a wildcard, Mboko only needed 62 minutes to cruise past the two-time Grand Slam champion, ending things 6-1, 6-4.
After the match, Gauff got the inevitable question: Does she see herself in the young Canadian? She shut down the comparisons, making it clear that Mboko brings something unique to the court, supported by a tight-knit team in the middle of a crowded field.
“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,” Gauff said in her press conference.
Victoria Mboko’s reaction after beating Coco Gauff in Montreal
She covers her face & her home crowd goes wild.
Great hug at the net
First top 10 win of her life
Biggest moment of her life
18 years old… the sky is the limit for this young lady 🇨🇦🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 3, 2025
Afterward, Gauff made it clear she wants a rematch somewhere down the line.
“I mean, 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,” she added.
Her singles run ended sooner than expected, but Gauff is now shifting to doubles and sets her sights on Barbora Krejcikova and Jelena Ostapenko.
How Did Coco Gauff Describe Her Struggles Against Victoria Mboko?
Gauff couldn’t hide how tough the match was. She admitted it: facing Mboko threw her off, and she spent most of the match searching for composure. With Mboko playing at such a high level, Gauff said she felt out of sorts from the start.
“Coming into the match, I was so locked in. I tried to keep my composure as much as I could, especially playing in front of so many people. This is a very special experience for me,” she said.
Now, Mboko is moving on and will take on Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Tuesday, August 5, with even more eyes watching her every move.
