Victoria Mboko’s rise in professional tennis reached a new peak with her stunning victory at the National Bank Open in Montreal. At just 18 years old, the Canadian defeated four Grand Slam champions—including Naomi Osaka in the final—to claim her first WTA title. Her run included wins over Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin, and Elena Rybakina, making her the youngest woman since Serena Williams in 1999 to beat four major winners in a single tournament.
Playing through pain and pressure
Mboko’s triumph was not without adversity. She sustained a wrist injury during her semifinal match against Rybakina but powered through the pain to secure victory. Despite the physical strain, she maintained composure and focus, rallying from a set down in both the semifinal and final. Her resilience and mental toughness were praised by coaches and commentators alike.
Preparing for the U.S. Open
Following her Montreal win, Mboko chose to skip the Cincinnati Open to rest and recover, prioritizing her health ahead of her debut as a seeded player at the U.S. Open. She expressed excitement about playing at Flushing Meadows, calling it one of her favorite tournaments and emphasizing her desire to enjoy the experience rather than be overwhelmed by expectations.
Support from family and fans
Throughout the tournament, Mboko drew strength from her family and the passionate Canadian crowd. Her parents, who emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, were present in the stands, and their support has been a cornerstone of her journey. The Montreal crowd’s energy was palpable, with chants and cheers helping fuel her comeback performances. Even during the men’s final, fans erupted in celebration upon hearing of her win, momentarily halting play.
Becoming a role model
Mboko’s success has resonated far beyond the tennis court. Advocates and coaches have hailed her as a role model, especially for young Canadian athletes and girls of color. Her poise, humility, and determination have inspired many, and her story—rooted in resilience and family sacrifice—has opened doors for greater representation in the sport. As one coach noted, she steps into the role of role model effortlessly, simply by being herself.
Life beyond tennis
Despite her rapid ascent, Mboko remains grounded. She values time with friends, enjoys outdoor runs, and takes care of her mental health through simple routines. She’s candid about the pressures of professional tennis but emphasizes the importance of staying relaxed and present. Her mantra is clear: focus on the moment, trust the process, and let the joy of the game lead the way.
Victoria Mboko in 2025
At the moment ranked no.24 (career-high), Mboko played her last match on the 7th of August when she beat world no.25 Naomi Osaka 2-6 6-4 6-1 in the final in Montreal to win her 1st career title.
At the moment, during this season Mboko has managed to achieve a composed 53-9 win-loss record. Victoria clinched 6 titles in 2025 in the W35 Le Lamentin, the Bourg, the W75 Rome, the W35 Manchester, the W75 Porto and Montreal. Mboko was the finalist in the Parma.
