Young player Victoria Mboko created a significant upset at the competition, overcoming leading player Coco Gauff to progress to the quarter-finals of the Canadian Open held in Montreal.
The Canadian player, aged 18, who received a special invitation to participate in the main competition, only required 62 minutes to defeat the two-time Grand Slam victor with scores of 6-1, 6-4, thereby extending her swift advancement in the rankings.
Mboko successfully converted four out of five breakpoint opportunities against Gauff and has conceded just one set in her four matches at this event.
“As I prepared for the match, my focus was intense,” Mboko stated.
“I endeavored to maintain my composure as much as possible, particularly while performing before a large audience. This occasion holds immense significance for me.”
She commenced the year ranked 333rd globally and subsequently achieved 22 consecutive victories without conceding a set, leading to her securing five titles in the second-tier ITF Tour.
Mboko entered the tournament holding the 85th rank, but the triumph against Gauff will elevate her to 53rd. In the quarter-finals, she is scheduled to compete against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who is ranked only two positions higher.
Gauff encountered challenges with her serve again, committing six double faults, which brings her total for the tournament to 43 across three matches.
“I anticipate she will attain considerable success in the tour. I am certain that we will have numerous future encounters,” Gauff commented.
In parallel, second seed Iga Swiatek comfortably progressed to the last 16 with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Eva Lys.
In Toronto, Casper Ruud experienced a 6-4, 7-5 defeat against Karen Khachanov, prior to leading seed Alexander Zverev’s advancement to the quarter-finals due to Francisco Cerundolo’s withdrawal.
Fifth seed Holger Rune squandered an initial advantage and ultimately lost 6-4, 2-6, 3-6 to Australian Alexei Popyrin.
