Coco Gauff has special praise for teenage star who 'moves' just like her
Coco Gauff praised teen star Victoria Mboko after a tough Italian Open clash, saying the 18-year-old "moves like me" and calling her "one of the best athletes.
Coco Gauff faced a formidable challenge in her opening match at the Italian Open, narrowly defeating rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko in a three-set battle. After dropping the first set 3–6, Gauff rallied to win 6–2, 6–1, but not without acknowledging Mboko's impressive performance having recently also had kind words for an opponent she's played three times already this season.
“Victoria played great tennis. She forced me to play like that. So full credit to her,” said Gauff, who has recently found a new doubles partner, post-match. “I was pretty composed because I felt like I was playing the right way in the first, just not necessarily connecting on some shots. I just felt like if I just started to land more balls in, it would go my way.”
Gauff, currently ranked world No. 3 after Serena Williams' former coach had a warning, noted the similarities between herself and the 18-year-old Mboko. “First I saw her Miami Open. I didn’t know much about her before, but I’ve been following her since Miami. I think she’s a great player. I knew it was going to be a tough match.
- FOX makes unexplained NASCAR announcer change as Kevin Harvick left uncomfortable
- RCR makes driver announcement after Kyle Busch shared his opinions
“The ranking difference looks different, but she’s playing top-level tennis. I approached the match that way. It’s not a case of underestimation. I knew she was going to come out there and play great. Maybe I psyched myself out a little bit in the first set.”
Reflecting on Mboko's playing style, Gauff added, “For sure in the movement. I felt like playing myself because I feel like I move pretty well, she moves very well. But she obviously has a great game, so I don’t want to say her game is like mine. For sure on the movement, I would say she’s up there with me on that.”
“As far as the other parts of her game, she’s obviously a big hitter, can play well, moves pretty well, has a nice backhand, same on the forehand. I don’t want to say she plays like me ’cause she obviously doesn’t. We’re like closer in age. I would say on the movement side athletically she’s one of the best athletes on tour.”
DON'T MISS
Mboko's performance in Rome is the latest highlight in a breakout 2025 season. She began the year with a 22-match winning streak, capturing four ITF titles without dropping a set. Her success continued at the Miami Open, where she secured her first WTA main-draw victory against Camila Osorio. These achievements have propelled her up the rankings, reaching a career-high of No. 156.
Despite the loss to Gauff, Mboko's display against a top-ranked opponent underscores her potential. As she continues to develop her game, the tennis world will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this emerging talent.
