An absolute surprise at the Montreal Open after Coco Gauff's defeat to young Canadian Victoria Mboko. The world No. 2 was far from her usual level, and while she managed to reduce her double faults, she had a poor 43% first-serve percentage throughout the match and ended up losing 6-1, 6-4 to the 18-year-old star.
Mboko gets revenge for her second-round loss at the Rome Open—where Gauff came back from a set down—and secures the best victory of her career. It is her first win over a top-10 player and guarantees her a new career-high ranking of world No. 55. The Canadian reaches her first WTA 1000 quarterfinals.
Mboko's Stunning Start in the first set
Mboko started strong with an early break and then, with great poise, held her first service game to lead 2-0. The Canadian didn't seem intimidated to be on center court, especially with all the Canadian fans watching and hoping to see their only representative in the fourth round advance.
Gauff managed to win only a single service game, but it did little for her. Mboko saved a break point in the fourth game and took control of the match, securing two consecutive breaks and strong service games. The Canadian had a 62% first-serve percentage against Gauff's poor 50%, while the Canadian won 67% of her service points compared to the American's mere 41%. The set ended with a convincing 6-1 in favor of the Canadian after just 26 minutes.
Mboko shows poise to seal gritty win
Things leveled out in the second set, with neither player allowing long rallies, and neither managing to get more than one point on the return during the first part of the set. They reached 3-3 without any surprises, a point at which Mboko faced her first break points. The teenager managed to save four break points—with huge support from the crowd—and stayed in contention, holding her serve to go up 4-3.
In the final moments of the match, Mboko showed a better ability to handle the pressure, holding her serve to move ahead 5-4, and then getting her first break opportunity, which she used to close out the victory 6-1, 6-4. She advanced to her first WTA 1000 quarterfinals.
Read also
Mboko's upset reshuffles Montreal draw
Mboko, who received a wildcard to enter the main draw, has knocked out the top seed and reorganized the draw, especially after the early exits of players like Mirra Andreeva (4th) and Jessica Pegula (3rd). Mboko now awaits her opponent between Lin Zhu and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, two players who have never reached a WTA 1000 quarterfinal.
Whoever wins that match on Sunday night will be guaranteed to be a first-time semifinalist, while in the top half of the draw, the only remaining seeds are Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina (90th) and Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk (24th). They will face each other this Monday for a spot in the semifinals, and the winner will be a favorite for a potential final.
Read also
Mboko's Breakthrough: Canadian teen set to crack the top 60
Victoria Mboko is guaranteed a total of 214 points so far added to her ranking, which will allow her to advance 30 positions (from No. 85 to No. 55), putting her at a new career-high ranking. She is one of only four players under 19 years old in the top 100, trailing only Mirra Andreeva (No. 5).
Should she secure another victory in the next round, Mboko could advance another 9 positions to No. 46, officially entering the top 50, which seems to be only a matter of time considering the high level she has shown this past week and the fact that she has virtually no points to defend for the rest of the season.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
