Victoria Mboko is quickly gaining recognition across Canada as she makes waves on the WTA Tour.
The 18-year-old from Canada arrived in Montreal with hopes of progressing far in the tournament, yet she likely didn’t anticipate such an impressive performance.
Mboko began her journey with victories against Kimberly Birrell, Sofia Kenin, and Marie Bouzkova, which took her to the round of 16. There, she faced off against the world number two, Coco Gauff.
In a remarkable upset, Mboko overtook Gauff in straight sets, winning 7-6, 6-1, marking her biggest career triumph and advancing her to the quarterfinals of her first WTA 1000 event.
Continuing her impressive performance, Mboko defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, securing her spot in the semifinals.
Analysis of Mboko’s Game
As Mboko prepares to challenge Elena Rybakina for a place in the finals, her semifinal opponent has acknowledged her exceptional skills. Denmark’s Clara Tauson, another promising young talent making waves in Montreal, noted that Mboko’s strongest assets are her powerful serve and backhand.
Tauson, who has also made strides in the tournament, shared insights about her limited interactions with Mboko but praised her performance during the event. She emphasized that Mboko has a lot of confidence and firepower, which is evident in her gameplay.
Tauson accurately observed that Mboko’s serving capabilities have been a significant factor in her success in Montreal. With strong performances including a series of impressive serving stats, Mboko will look to maintain this form against Rybakina.
Upcoming Rankings and Future Prospects
No matter the outcome against Rybakina, Mboko is poised to break into the top 50 in the world rankings, climbing from her current position of 85th to 48th.
As she progresses, the possibility of further ranking jumps remains, with opportunities to elevate her standing depending on her performance in the semifinals and finals. Winning the Canadian Open would elevate her to 24th in the world, granting her a more favorable seed at the upcoming US Open.
While a championship victory would be a significant challenge, Mboko’s recent accomplishments showcase her potential against top-tier players like Gauff. With strong home support, the young athlete’s future remains promising as she gears up to face Rybakina on Wednesday, August 6, with eyes set on the final.
