Victoria Mboko defeats Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to enter NBO semifinals, continuing a sensational run and thrilling Canadian tennis fans in Montreal.
Mboko Shines Under Montreal Lights
Eighteen-year-old Toronto native Victoria Mboko continued her sensational breakout season with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 win over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Monday night, advancing to the semifinals of the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal. The Canadian teen needed just 77 minutes to secure the straight-sets victory, igniting cheers from a packed home crowd.
Taking Down Global Competition
Coming off her stunning upset of world No. 2 Coco Gauff just two days earlier, Mboko maintained her momentum against Bouzas Maneiro, who was making her first appearance in a WTA 1000 quarterfinal. Despite a rocky start in the second set, Mboko broke serve in key moments to regain control and never looked back.
Montreal Crowd Fuels the Charge
The electric atmosphere at IGA Stadium set the stage for Mboko’s latest triumph. As the last Canadian left in singles action, she carried the hopes of home fans with every forehand and service ace. The crowd erupted in support as she closed out the match with a deep backhand return that forced an error from her opponent.
Building a Historic Season
Mboko’s journey from outside the top 300 to a projected No. 55 in the WTA rankings has been nothing short of meteoric. After battling injuries in previous years, she launched her 2025 campaign with a 22-match win streak and five ITF titles. Her fearless play in Montreal, including wins over top-seeded players like Sofia Kenin and Marie Bouzkova, signals her rise as Canada’s new tennis torchbearer.
Eyes on the Semifinal Showdown
Next up, Mboko will face ninth-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in Wednesday’s semifinal. Rybakina advanced after opponent Marta Kostyuk retired mid-match due to injury. The matchup promises to test Mboko’s composure and consistency, as she seeks to become the youngest player to reach the NBO final since Belinda Bencic in 2015.
Why This Run Matters
Mboko’s surge comes at a time when Canadian tennis is looking for its next big star. With Bianca Andreescu battling injuries and Félix Auger-Aliassime still finding form, Mboko’s emergence offers fresh hope. Her aggressive baseline play, composure under pressure, and growing confidence suggest that she’s not just Canada’s future — she’s the present.
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