Coco Gauff called out what she said were unfair comparisons between her and Victoria Mboko after being stunned by the Canadian teenager at the National Bank Open. Top seed Gauff was blown away 6-1 6-4 in just 82 minutes to miss out on a place in the quarter-finals.
The 21-year-old appeared back in form in Montreal with wins over Lin Zhu of China and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain. However, since winning the French Open in May, her record has been just two wins and three defeats. Post-match, the star was agitated when asked if she sees similarities between herself and Mboko.
'No, I've never been one to compare myself to others," she snapped back. "Whether it be people comparing me to Serena or Venus, and I don't think it's fair to put that on her as well. She's a completely different player, completely different person."
She did, however, laud the talent of the 18-year-old, adding: "I do see someone who is going to have a really bright future, for sure. She's very athletic. She's a great ball striker, and she seems pretty positive out there on the court, doesn't get really too negative."
Sign up here to receive all the latest tennis and Wimbledon news straight to your inbox.
In their only previous meeting, Gauff beat the world No.85 at the Italian Open. The American admitted that she was now relishing the chance for revenge for her surprise defeat.
"I've gotten to talk to her a little bit over the course since Rome," continued Gauff. "I think she has a great support system around her, and I think that's important when you're young and on tour. Hopefully, we have many more battles, and I look forward to playing her again in the future."
Mboko capitalised on 24 unforced errors from the world No.2. In her on-court interview, she paid tribute to the two-time Slam champion and acknowledged the passionate home crowd.
"Your support was incredible," she said. "I'm really happy to win today. It's incredible. I'm so happy to beat such a great champion."
For all the latest tennis and Wimbledon news you can join our WhatsApp community here.
You may also like
Cooking With The Stars start time, cast list, episodes and how to watch
Mark Clattenburg hits out at claims he tried to help Leicester City win Premier League title
I went to a migrant hotel protest - one thing left me feeling completely hopeless
The beautiful UK seaside town tourists always miss in rush to get to 2 famous neighbours
Horror at UK beauty spot as seals killed off slowly at 'unprecedented' rate