A Historic Comeback and Rising Star
Victoria Mboko made history on Wednesday at the National Bank Open in Montreal with a thrilling comeback that has captivated fans across Canada. The 18-year-old from Toronto, born to Congolese parents in Charlotte, North Carolina, showcased incredible resilience and determination as she defeated Elena Rybakina in a nail-biting three-set match.
Mboko’s journey to the final was nothing short of epic. She faced a set down, saved a match point, and overcame a wrist injury during the third set. Her performance was a testament to her growing prowess on the tennis court and her ability to thrive under pressure.
The match began with Mboko struggling against Rybakina, who took the first set 6-1. However, Mboko quickly found her rhythm in the second set, using her powerful backhand to force a decisive third set. Despite facing multiple challenges, including a fall that led to a wrist injury, Mboko remained focused and fought back.
In the third set, Mboko saved a match point at 5-4, then broke Rybakina’s serve twice to force a tiebreaker. The crowd, filled with “Allez Vicky” signs, erupted as Mboko secured the victory with a forehand winner that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
Mboko’s win not only marked her advancement to the final but also solidified her place as one of the most promising young talents in Canadian tennis. She became the fourth Canadian woman and the youngest to reach a final at the Canadian Open, following in the footsteps of Bianca Andreescu, who won the title in 2019.
Her performance this year has been impressive, with a record of 52-9 in all competitions and 26-8 against higher-ranked players. Mboko started the year outside the top 300 but is now projected to climb to at least 34th in the world rankings after this victory.
She will face Naomi Osaka in the final, a four-time Grand Slam champion. Osaka advanced to the final by defeating Clara Tauson in a tight match. Mboko’s upcoming challenge is significant, but her recent performances suggest she is ready for the opportunity.
Throughout the match, Mboko demonstrated remarkable composure and resilience. Despite committing 11 double-faults and winning only 35% of her points on second service, she managed to overcome these obstacles and secure the win.
Mboko’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After two injury-plagued seasons, she began her resurgence with an unbeaten streak on the ITF Tour and continued with a strong showing at the French Open and Wimbledon. Her dominance in Montreal has only added to her growing reputation as a rising star in the tennis world.
The support from the home crowd played a crucial role in Mboko’s success. The energy and enthusiasm of the fans provided a boost that helped her push through difficult moments. Local favorite Eugenie Bouchard, who announced her retirement after the tournament, was initially the crowd favorite, but Mboko quickly took the spotlight and became the center of attention.
Mboko’s journey is just beginning, and her performance in Montreal has set the stage for future success. With a chance to win her first WTA title at home, she remains focused on the present moment while keeping her eyes on the ultimate goal.
“I have the opportunity to lift that beautiful trophy, but I still have one match to go,” Mboko said. “I’m always focused on the present moment. I don’t really focus on the end, but it’s obviously a vision I would like to see. That’s what I’m playing for.”
As Mboko prepares for the final, fans are eagerly anticipating what she will accomplish next. Her historic comeback and fearless performance have already made her a fan favorite, and her story is just beginning.