Canadian teenager Mboko clinches WTA Montreal title over Osaka in thrilling showdown
Victoria "Vicky" Mboko, an 18-year-old Canadian tennis sensation, has made a stunning impact on the tennis world in 2025. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina to Congolese parents and raised in Toronto, Mboko has rapidly climbed the ranks, winning several ITF World Tennis Tour events and making a significant breakthrough by winning the National Bank Open in Montreal.
In a closely contested final, Mboko defeated the formidable Naomi Osaka, currently ranked 49th in the world. The match was a testament to Mboko's resilience and skill, as she saved a match point en route to her victory and converted eight out of nine break points.
The match was a battle of wills, with winners being scarce for both players. Mboko, who was currently ranked 85th, showed remarkable determination, winning five straight games after Osaka's break. Despite struggling in the first set, committing 22 unforced errors, Mboko managed to turn the tide, denying Osaka her first tour-level title since the 2021 Australian Open.
Osaka's final performance in the tournament was her best in a WTA 1000 tournament since reaching the final at Miami in 2022. She showed signs of energized play, particularly after a coaching shakeup. However, it was Mboko who emerged victorious, rising to a projected world No. 24 ranking following her WTA final win.
In the lead-up to the final, Mboko had ousted several top players, including former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the second round and reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round. Her impressive run in the tournament included winning four matches, including one over a Grand Slam winner.
During the trophy presentation, Mboko expressed her gratitude towards Osaka for an "incredible match." Osaka, in turn, thanked the crowd and expressed her disappointment at the loss. Despite the defeat, she praised Mboko's performance, acknowledging that she was up against a formidable opponent.
With this win, Mboko has secured her place among the top ranked players on the WTA Tour and has undoubtedly cemented her status as a rising star in the world of tennis. Her journey from a ranking of No. 333 at the start of the year to a projected world No. 24 is a testament to her hard work, determination, and talent.
[1] Tennis.com [2] Sportsnet [4] The Guardian [5] CBC
- "After her astonishing win at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Victoria Mboko's attention might turn towards additional sports, such as football or basketball, as she continues to make a name for herself in the world of tennis."
- "Despite her impressive ascension in tennis, Victoria Mboko's football skills are equally notable, having captained her school team during her high school years."
