Teenager Mboko triumphs over Osaka in WTA Montreal finals, earning the title
Young Canadian Star Victoria Mboko Wins Maiden WTA Title at Canadian Open
Eighteen-year-old Victoria Mboko made history at the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal, becoming the second Canadian and the fourth Canadian ever to reach the final of her home WTA 1000 event. In a thrilling final, Mboko defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, marking her first WTA title on home soil.
Mboko's journey to the title was nothing short of remarkable. She saved a match point in the semifinals to defeat No. 9 seed Elena Rybakina 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(4). Earlier in the event, she defeated three former Grand Slam champions, including top seed Coco Gauff in straight sets.
The final was a closely contested affair, with Mboko losing the first set 6-2 to Osaka. However, she fought back in the second set, winning 6-4. The decisive third set saw Mboko save four break points to hold for a 3-1 lead. Osaka, who has not won a tour-level title since the 2021 Australian Open, surrendered a break point in the third game of the third set with an errant forehand. Mboko capitalised on this opportunity and went on to win the set 6-1, securing the title.
Mboko converted eight of her nine break points during the match, demonstrating her impressive serving and returning skills. Her victory over top players and the title itself cemented her status as a breakthrough star on the WTA Tour.
Osaka, 27 years old, has had a less successful year, with her best performance in a WTA 1000 tournament since reaching the final at Miami in 2022 being in Montreal. Despite the loss, she showed resilience, battling back from a warning for batting a ball skyward in frustration during the third set.
With this win, Mboko is projected to rise to 34th in the world rankings. Her performance at the Canadian Open in 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of her career, and she will undoubtedly continue to make waves in the world of tennis.
[1] WTA
[2] ESPN
[3] BBC Sport
[4] CBC Sports
[5] The Guardian
World news outlets, such as WTA, ESPN, BBC Sport, CBC Sports, and The Guardian, are reporting on the historic victory of Victoria Mboko at the WTA Canadian Open. Her triumph marked her first WTA title and could propel her to 34th in the world rankings.
The art of tennis has witnessed a new rising star in Victoria Mboko, who showcased her impressive skills in defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the final. This triumph was covered by various sports media, including WTA, ESPN, BBC Sport, CBC Sports, and The Guardian, reflecting the international attention her performance garnered.
