MusaWorld No. 2 Coco Gauff suffered a stunning early exit at the 2025 Canadian Open, losing in straight sets to teenage wildcard Victoria Mboko in one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. But it wasn’t just the result that made headlines—Gauff’s post-match remarks sparked further conversation as she voiced what she called an “unfair” factor in her defeat.
The 20-year-old American fell 6-4, 6-3 to the fearless 17-year-old Canadian, who played with power, confidence, and consistency. However, after the match, Gauff expressed frustration with what she described as “conditions that made it tough to focus and compete fairly.”
In the press conference following her defeat, Gauff commented:
“I’m not taking anything away from Victoria—she played incredibly well. But I do think the court speed and ball bounce were inconsistent, which I felt was a little unfair. It’s hard to find rhythm when every shot feels different.”
Her remarks quickly gained attention on social media and among tennis analysts. While some fans sympathized, others felt the complaint was poorly timed given Mboko’s brilliant performance. Gauff further added that the crowd noise and lighting conditions during the night session made it difficult to maintain focus.
Still, Gauff remained respectful of her opponent, stating:
“She deserved the win. I just wish the conditions had been a bit more neutral. But it’s tennis—you have to adjust.”
This marks Gauff’s earliest exit from a major tournament since 2022 and raises questions about her form leading into the US Open 2025, where she’s defending champion.
Meanwhile, Victoria Mboko was all smiles post-match, praising Gauff’s legacy and expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
“She’s a role model for me. I just tried to focus on my game and stay aggressive. It’s an incredible feeling to win here at home,” said Mboko, who now advances to her first WTA quarterfinal.
Gauff’s comments highlight the ongoing debate in professional tennis about surface conditions, crowd behavior, and match scheduling. Some top players have echoed similar sentiments in recent months, calling for more consistency across tournaments.
As Gauff regroups and prepares for her next challenge, the tennis world continues to buzz about both her surprising defeat and Mboko’s rising star status. Whether or not the conditions played a role, one thing is certain—Victoria Mboko has arrived, and Coco Gauff will be looking to bounce back fast.
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