Crossing the path of the favorite of national banking omnium does not seem to be anxious the young Canadian Victoria Mboko.
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• Read also: Gauff is still fighting with his service
A little more than an hour after defeating three rounds of 1-6, 6-3 and 6-0 the Czech Marie Bouzkova, Thursday evening, Mboko was already thinking of his next Saturday challenge: Coco Gauff.
The second world racket is the first seeded in Montreal due to the absence of the Bélarusian Aryna Sabalenka.
“It’s always nice to play against incredible athletes like her. I think it will be another fun experience, ”said the 18 -year -old player Thursday evening.
In May, Vicky, from qualifying, had managed to win a round against Coco, who finally won 3-6, 6-2 and 6-1 in Rome. Before losing in the final against the Italian Jasmine Paolini, already eliminated in Montreal, Gauff had lost only two sets during the event.
“I am very feverish at the idea of confronting him,” said Mboko. I know what to expect. It should be an extremely demanding battle. ”
But in Italy, the tournament takes place on clay. It will be different on the hard central of the IGA stadium.
“But that will not change the way I play, promised the country’s new darling. I will approach this match as I do for any other match, no matter the surface. I hope it will be fine. “
Victoria Mboko in her match against Coco Gauff on the clay of Rome, in May.
Photo AFP
At home
Ontario feels like at home in Montreal, where she reached the fourth round of a WTA 1000 tournament for the first time in her short career.
“It’s great. I’m very happy to do this in Montreal, because I train here. And with the many spectators who support me, it makes me happy, “she said in French.
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
More difficult for GAUFF
If Mboko knows a week worthy of a fairy tale, Gauff, who praised his next opponent earlier Thursday, has some difficulties.
The 21 -year -old American is trying to bounce back into the Quebec metropolis. After being crowned champion at Roland-Garros, she lost her two following games on lawn, including her first in Wimbledon. Since his arrival in Montreal, Gauff has torn off two victories in three sets despite problems in the service.
Coco Gauff
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Nothing has lost
For its part, Vicky has nothing to lose. She was a little nervous at the start of the tournament, but as soon as she crossed the first round, she felt “released”. Enough to dismiss a big slam champion from her way, the American Sofia Kenin, crowned in Australia in 2020.
“Already in the second match and in the third, it was normal for me,” said Mboko, who should at least go from 85e au 65e world rank thanks to its performance.
It doesn’t matter where she will go to this national bank omnium, Mboko has already won over the hearts of many supporters, the number of which increases day by day.
