Coco Gauff says what she noticed about her opponent Victoria Mboko after watching footage of her before their match at the Italian Open
Coco Gauff showcased her meticulous preparation and tactical acumen after defeating 18-year-old Canadian qualifier Victoria Mboko 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 in the second round of the 2025 Italian Open. Speaking post-match, Gauff shared detailed insights into what she noticed about Mboko after studying footage of her prior performances, particularly her standout showing against Paula Badosa at the 2025 Miami Open. Gauff’s analysis revealed her respect for Mboko’s skills and her own strategic adjustments that led to the comeback victory on Rome’s clay courts.
Gauff was particularly struck by Mboko’s exceptional movement, which she compared to her own. “I felt like I was playing myself,” Gauff remarked, noting that Mboko’s speed and court coverage were “up there with me.” As one of the WTA’s premier movers, Gauff recognized Mboko’s ability to mirror her agility, making rallies intensely competitive. She highlighted Mboko’s flat forehand, describing it as a potent weapon that allowed the young Canadian to dictate points. Gauff also praised Mboko’s high-skill shot-making, which included precise and varied strokes that challenged her defensively. “Her shots are high-level, and she plays great tennis,” Gauff said, acknowledging that Mboko’s overall game was formidable for a player ranked outside the top 100.
Having followed Mboko’s progress since Miami, Gauff anticipated a tough battle. The footage confirmed Mboko’s ability to hang with top players, as evidenced by her near-upset of Badosa. Gauff noted that Mboko’s movement and shot selection made her a unique challenge, especially in the first set, where the Canadian’s aggression and speed put Gauff on the back foot. However, Gauff’s preparation allowed her to adapt after dropping the opener. She increased her intensity, targeting Mboko’s consistency and exploiting opportunities to dominate rallies in the second and third sets. “I knew she’d be tough because of how well she moves and hits,” Gauff explained, crediting her ability to reset and execute her game plan.
Gauff’s reflections underscore her growing maturity as a tactician at just 21. By dissecting Mboko’s strengths—movement, forehand, and shot-making—she turned a challenging match into a learning opportunity. As she advances in Rome, Gauff’s ability to study and counter opponents like Mboko signals her readiness for the clay-court season’s biggest tests.
