Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko delivered one of the most electrifying performances of her young career, defeating ninth-seeded Elena Rybakina in a dramatic three-set battle at the National Bank Open in Montreal. The 18-year-old rallied from a set down and saved a match point to win 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4), securing her place in the final of a WTA 1000 event for the first time.

Rising Through the Ranks

Mboko began the year ranked outside the top 300. Now, after a string of victories over Grand Slam champions including Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin, and Rybakina, she’s projected to rise to at least No. 34 in the world. Her run in Montreal marks her as the first Canadian to defeat three former major winners in a single WTA tournament during the Open Era.

A Gritty Performance Under Pressure

The semifinal clash was a test of resilience. After dropping the first set, Mboko steadied herself and fought through a wrist injury sustained during a fall in the third set. She broke Rybakina twice in the final set and held her nerve in the tiebreaker, sealing the win in front of a roaring home crowd.

Emotional Reaction and Home Support

“Words cannot even describe how I feel right now,” Mboko said, overwhelmed by the moment. “I had everyone supporting me and pushing me through. Without you guys, I don’t think I would’ve been able to pull this through.” Her connection with the crowd was palpable, and their energy seemed to fuel her comeback.

Looking Ahead to the Final

Mboko will face Naomi Osaka in the final, a four-time Grand Slam champion who has also found her rhythm in Montreal. The matchup promises to be a compelling clash between a rising star and a seasoned champion. For Mboko, it’s not just a chance at her first WTA title—it’s a moment that could define the beginning of a remarkable career.

Mboko in Montreal, ranking, and results in 2025

Ranked world no.85 (career-high), the Canadian has achieved a compiled 52-9 match record in 2025. Mboko is currently having a run in Montreal where she overcame the world no.79 Kimberly Birrell 7-5 6-3, the world no.27 Sofia Kenin 6-2 6-3, the world no.39 Marie Bouzkova 1-6 6-3 6-0

, the world no.2 Cori Gauff 6-1 6-4, the world no.51 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4 6-2 and the world no.12 Elena Rybakina 1-6 7-5 7-6(4).

Victoria Mboko will come up against the world no.221 Clervie Ngounoue in the final. Their current record is 2-0 for Mboko.

Mboko has won 5 titles in 2025 in the W35 Le Lamentin, the Bourg, the W75 Rome, the W35 Manchester and the W75 Porto. Victoria was the finalist in the Parma.

Rybakina in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2025

At the moment ranked no.12, Rybakina has managed to achieve an overall 37-15 record in 2025. The Kazakhstani is now competing in Cincinnati where she defeated

Elena conquered 1 title in 2025 in Strasbourg.

Rybakina won 9 titles in her career: 4 on hard courts, 4 on clay courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)

Victoria Mboko and Elena Rybakina clashed against each other just twice. The head to head is 1-1.