A Gritty Comeback and a Historic Final
In one of the most unforgettable matches of the National Bank Open (NBO) this year, 18-year-old Canadian tennis sensation Victoria Mboko proved that she is not only a rising star but also a champion in the making. Despite an injured right wrist that left her hand feeling numb at times, Mboko displayed incredible determination and resilience to secure a dramatic 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4) victory over No. 9 seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.
The match, which lasted two hours and 46 minutes, was the longest of Mboko’s WTA career and marked a turning point in her journey. Fighting off a match point in the third set after a hard fall early on, Mboko showed the kind of grit that Canadians have come to admire in their athletes. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, with moments of intense pressure and high-stakes play that had the sellout crowd at IGA Stadium on their feet.
A Dream Run to the Final
Mboko’s path to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting the year ranked outside the top 300, she has climbed the rankings with consistent performances, including a 52-9 record this season. Her power game and defensive skills have been key to her success, and in this match, they were put to the test against one of the top players on the WTA tour.
Rybakina, who had taken a break from professional tennis in 2023 to start a family, was expected to dominate the first set. However, Mboko refused to back down, showing immense mental strength and tactical awareness. She adapted quickly, switching from her usual aggressive style to a more defensive approach, which allowed her to stay in the match and eventually take control.
The Final Matchup
Mboko will now face Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the NBO final. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has made a strong return to the sport after taking time off for personal reasons. She defeated No. 16 seed Clara Tauson in the second semifinal, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. The matchup between Mboko and Osaka promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both players bring different strengths and styles to the court.
Osaka praised Mboko’s talent and potential, noting that she had seen her play before and was impressed by her performance. “She’s super young and super talented,” Osaka said. “I saw her playing in DC against Rybakina, and even though she lost that match, she was very impressive.”
Overcoming Adversity
Throughout the match, Mboko faced several challenges, including the injury to her wrist. After falling behind the baseline during the second set, she reported that her hand felt numb. She took a medical timeout to get it taped and was shaking her wrist at times before the match continued. Despite this, she managed to push through, fueled by adrenaline and the support of the crowd.
“I wanted to really forget about it,” Mboko said after the match. “I was so locked in that at some point the pain kind of went away.” While her wrist still ached, she remained focused on the task at hand, ultimately securing the win.
Looking Ahead
As Mboko prepares for the final, she remains grounded and focused on the present moment. “I don’t really focus on the end. It’s obviously a vision I would like to see and that’s what I’m playing for,” she said. Her journey from a small tournament in Croatia last year to the final of a prestigious event in Canada is a testament to her perseverance and belief in herself.
If Mboko wins the final, she could climb as high as 25th in the world, making her just the third Canadian champion in the NBO since the Open era began in 1968. Regardless of the outcome, her performance in the semifinals has already cemented her place in the history of the tournament.
A Moment to Remember
When the final shot of the match went long, Mboko threw her racket, bent down, and placed her hands on the court as the crowd erupted in cheers. The emotion was palpable, and the moment was one that she and her coach, Nathalie Tauziat, will cherish forever.
“I really couldn’t believe it because at some point, I feel like I kind of lost a little bit and she was really dominating,” Mboko reflected. “To have gone through what I have gone through in the third set and to win it on the match point just felt really great.”
Whether or not she lifts the trophy, Mboko has already made history with her incredible performance. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible.