Victoria Mboko defeats Elena Rybakina in a thrilling 3-set battle to reach the National Bank Open final. She faces Naomi Osaka in Montreal on Thursday.
Toronto Teen Reaches Career Milestone in Montreal Thriller
Canadian tennis sensation Victoria Mboko electrified the crowd at IGA Stadium with a dramatic three-set comeback against world No. 9 Elena Rybakina, securing her place in the National Bank Open final. The 18-year-old rallied from a set down and saved a match point to win 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(4) in a gripping two-hour, 46-minute semifinal.
National Crowd Roars as Mboko Makes History
Mboko’s victory makes her only the fourth Canadian woman to ever reach a Canadian Open final and the first since Bianca Andreescu in 2019. Her relentless performance captivated fans, many of whom waved “Allez Vicky” signs and chanted as she collapsed to the court in celebration following Rybakina’s final error. The emotionally charged match turned Mboko into a national headline.
Final Showdown Set Against Four-Time Slam Champion
Mboko will face Japan’s Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, in Thursday’s final at 6 p.m. ET. Osaka defeated Denmark’s Clara Tauson 6-2, 7-6(7) in the other semifinal. The highly anticipated match pits one of tennis’s rising stars against a global champion making her comeback after a brief hiatus.
Resilience on Display Despite Injury and Setbacks
In the third set, Mboko suffered a minor wrist injury after an awkward fall but fought through it with determination. She saved a match point while trailing 4-5, then broke Rybakina’s serve to force a tiebreak. With nerves of steel, she delivered a blistering forehand winner to take a 5-4 lead and clinched the win after a Rybakina backhand sailed wide.
A Breakout Year for Canada’s New Tennis Star
Mboko’s rise in 2025 has been nothing short of meteoric. After starting the year ranked outside the WTA’s top 300, she’s now projected to break into the top 35. She’s also the first Canadian to defeat three Grand Slam champions in a single WTA event in the Open Era, including wins over Coco Gauff and Sloane Stephens earlier this week.
Local Support Fuels Mboko’s Dream Run
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina to Congolese parents but raised in Toronto, Mboko has become a fan favourite at home. With Canadian stars like Eugenie Bouchard bowing out early, the teen has emerged as the heart of the tournament. Her intensity, talent, and poise have drawn crowds to practice courts and primetime matches alike.
Momentum Builds Toward Thursday’s Final
With a 52-9 record this year and 26 wins against higher-ranked opponents, Mboko’s momentum is undeniable. Her matchup with Osaka will mark the biggest match of her career and a potential crowning moment in front of a home crowd.
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