Victoria Mboko of Canada reacts following her win over Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan during semifinal tennis action at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
Canada has a new tennis star—and she’s just 18. Victoria Mboko pulled off a stunning comeback victory over ninth-seed Elena Rybakina at the National Bank Open, sending shockwaves through the tennis world. The Toronto teen is now set to play her first WTA final in front of a home crowd.
A Comeback for the Ages
Mboko lost the first set 1-6 and faced a match point in the third. But she didn’t flinch. She clawed back, broke Rybakina’s serve twice, and held her nerve in a dramatic tiebreaker to win 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4).
As Rybakina’s final shot went long, Mboko collapsed to the court. Fans inside a packed IGA Stadium erupted in celebration, chanting “Olé, Olé, Olé” as “Allez Vicky” signs waved across the stands.
Canadian Tennis History in the Making
With this win, Mboko becomes just the fourth Canadian woman to reach the final at the Canadian Open. She’s the first to do so since Bianca Andreescu’s famous 2019 title run.
But that’s not all. Mboko also made history by becoming the first Canadian to defeat three former Grand Slam winners in a single WTA tournament during the Open Era.
Rankings Rocket and Final Showdown Ahead
Mboko’s ranking has soared. She started 2025 outside the top 300 and is now guaranteed to break into the top 35. If she wins the final, her climb could go even higher.
Standing in her way is tennis icon Naomi Osaka. The unseeded four-time Grand Slam winner from Japan defeated Clara Tauson in straight sets to set up the thrilling final showdown.
Toughness in the Face of Adversity
Mboko didn’t just fight her opponent—she battled pain. Early in the third set, she slipped awkwardly and needed a medical timeout to treat her wrist. But she returned with her arm wrapped and her focus intact.
Despite 11 double-faults and a shaky second serve percentage (just 35%), Mboko stayed mentally tough. She took control when it mattered, especially in the tiebreak.
Revenge Served Cold
Just weeks ago, Rybakina beat Mboko in straight sets at the D.C. Open. This time, Mboko flipped the script.
Rybakina had a 5-4 lead in the final set and was serving for the match at 40-30. But a string of unforced errors gave Mboko a second chance—and she grabbed it.
After a brief wobble on her own serve, Mboko broke again, then raced ahead in the tiebreak with a down-the-line forehand. One final wide shot from Rybakina sealed the upset.
From ITF Dominance to Centre Court Stardom
Mboko’s rise hasn’t been overnight, but it has been spectacular. After two injury-hit seasons, she returned with a 22-match winning streak on the ITF Tour.
Her breakout continued at the French Open, where she battled through qualifying to reach the third round. Then came Wimbledon, where she upset No. 25 seed Magdalena Frech.
Now in Montreal, she’s found another gear—blasting past world No. 2 Coco Gauff in just 62 minutes in the fourth round.
From Rising Star to National Icon
Mboko has quickly become the face of Canadian tennis. With Eugenie Bouchard announcing her retirement, fans found a new hometown hero in Mboko.
She’s drawn crowds to every match and practice, lighting up centre court and rallying a nation behind her. Her fearless game, infectious energy, and love for the big stage have captivated Canadian fans.
On Thursday, she’ll face Naomi Osaka with a shot at writing one more historic chapter in her breakout season.
One Win Away from Glory
Victoria Mboko isn’t just a rising star—she’s a force to be reckoned with. With poise, power, and passion, she’s brought Canadian tennis back into the spotlight. Now, just one match stands between her and the biggest title of her young career.
Canada is watching. And cheering.
