Canadian Teen Victoria Mboko Stuns World No. 3 Coco Gauff in Montreal Upset

The packed stands at IGA Stadium fell into stunned silence before erupting in deafening cheers as 18-year-old wildcard Victoria Mboko covered her face in disbelief. The Toronto teenager had just achieved the unthinkable – defeating top seed and reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-4 at the National Bank Open in Montreal. In just 62 minutes, Mboko delivered the biggest shock of the 2025 WTA season, marking her first-ever victory over a top-10 player with ferocious groundstrokes and unnerving composure.

How Did an Unranked Teenager Topple a Grand Slam Champion?

Mboko executed a near-flawless game plan against the world No. 3, leveraging her powerful 5’10” frame to dominate baseline exchanges. Her heavy forehands pushed Gauff deep behind the court, while precise backhand down-the-line winners shattered the American’s defense. Tennis Channel analysts noted Mboko converted 78% of her first-serve points and saved all three break points faced. “She covers her face & her home crowd goes wild… Biggest moment of her life,” tweeted The Tennis Letter, capturing the emotional aftermath. Mboko’s tactical maturity belied her age – she became just the second wildcard in Open Era history to eliminate a top seed at the Canadian Open.

Mboko’s Rapid Ascent Through Tennis Ranks
Born to Congolese immigrants in Charlotte but raised in Toronto, Mboko’s tennis journey began as a toddler. She trained at Belgium’s prestigious Justine Henin Academy before exploding onto the junior circuit. By age 12, she reached the Orange Bowl U14 finals. In 2022, she advanced to junior semifinals at both Wimbledon and the US Open, later making doubles finals at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Her breakout 2025 season includes:

• Five ITF titles
• A third-round appearance at Roland Garros
• Career-high WTA ranking of No. 85
• Estimated $345,916 in career prize money

Coached by former Top 10 player Nathalie Tauziat, Mboko credits her family’s athletic legacy. Her siblings Gracia and Kevin both play collegiate tennis in the U.S., creating what WTA Insider calls “a blueprint for athletic excellence.”

What This Victory Means for Canadian Tennis
Mboko’s triumph ignites Canadian tennis fans still celebrating Bianca Andreescu’s 2019 US Open win. Her quarterfinal berth makes her the fifth-youngest player ever to defeat a top seed at a WTA 1000 event. Tennis Canada CEO Michael Downey stated: “Victoria embodies our next generation – fearless, technically gifted, and thriving under pressure.” With her aggressive baseline game and remarkable poise, Mboko now faces world No. 9 Markéta Vondroušová, carrying a nation’s hopes against another Grand Slam champion.

Beyond the Baseline: Mboko’s Off-Court Persona
Off the court, the soft-spoken teen balances tournament life with online business courses. Active on Instagram (@vicky_mboko) where she shares training clips and family moments, Mboko’s viral victory tweet by Tennis Channel garnered over 15K retweets within hours. Her $400K-$600K net worth is expected to surge with new endorsement deals. When asked about her mindset against Gauff, Mboko simply said: “I just played my game. The ball doesn’t know rankings.”

Must Know

Q: Where was Victoria Mboko born?
A: Mboko was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 26, 2006, but moved to Toronto as an infant. Her parents emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and she represents Canada internationally.

Q: What is Victoria Mboko’s playing style?
A: She’s an aggressive baseliner with powerful groundstrokes, particularly a dominant forehand. Her athleticism and tactical maturity – honed under coach Nathalie Tauziat – allow her to dictate rallies against top opponents.

Q: How did Mboko earn entry into the Montreal tournament?
A: She received a wildcard entry from Tennis Canada due to her rising national profile and recent ITF successes. Wildcards allow promising players outside direct qualifying ranks to compete in premier events.

Q: Has Mboko defeated top players before?
A: While she reached the third round at the 2025 French Open, her win over world No. 3 Gauff marks her first victory against any top-10 opponent, instantly transforming her career trajectory.

Q: What’s next for Victoria Mboko?
A: She faces ninth-ranked Markéta Vondroušová in the Montreal quarterfinals. A win would likely propel her into the WTA’s Top 60. She’s also expected to receive a US Open wildcard later this month.

Q: Who coaches Victoria Mboko?
A: Former Wimbledon finalist Nathalie Tauziat (France), who reached world No. 3 in 2000, has coached Mboko since 2023. Tauziat is renowned for developing strategic, all-court players.

Victoria Mboko’s seismic victory proves tennis’ next generation has arrived. This Canadian phenom didn’t just challenge a champion – she dismantled Gauff’s game with the poise of a veteran. As she prepares for her quarterfinal clash, remember her name: Mboko is rewriting the playbook on teenage potential in professional tennis. Follow her next match live on WTA Tour streaming platforms.