Canadian tennis has a new superstar, and her name is Victoria Mboko. The 18-year-old phenom electrified fans in Montreal last week, capturing the Canadian Open—also known as the National Bank Open—by defeating not just one, but four former Grand Slam champions. That feat alone would be enough to put her on the map, but Mboko’s journey to the WTA 1000 title has resonated far beyond the scoreboards, sparking celebrations across the country and drawing heartfelt mentorship from none other than 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu.
Mboko’s run was nothing short of dazzling. She toppled Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and finally Naomi Osaka in a dramatic 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 final. That victory made her the third Canadian ever to win the biggest tennis tournament in her home nation, and the youngest player to defeat four former Grand Slam champions at a single event since Serena Williams did it at the 1999 US Open. The tennis world took notice, but it was the reaction at home that truly underscored the moment’s magnitude. When news of her win broke during the men’s final in Toronto—nearly 300 miles away—play was interrupted as fans erupted in celebration. If you’re wondering whether Canadian tennis has found its next big thing, the answer seems clear!
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Congolese parents and raised in the Toronto area, Mboko’s multicultural background mirrors the diversity and vibrancy of Canadian tennis itself. Her journey to the top has been a whirlwind. Mboko began the 2025 season ranked No. 333 in the world, but her Montreal triumph catapulted her to a career-high No. 24. That’s a meteoric rise by any standard, and it’s backed up by a jaw-dropping 53-9 record across all professional levels this year. She started her season with a 22-match winning streak on the ITF World Tennis Tour, notching victories at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Miami, and Rome. She even reached a WTA 125 final in Parma, Italy, this past May. Talk about a breakout year!
Perhaps the most poetic part of Mboko’s story is her final opponent in Montreal: Naomi Osaka, a player she idolized as a child. After the match, Mboko shared her gratitude, saying, "I also want to thank Naomi for an incredible match. I've always looked up to her when I was really little, so it's always great to play with such an amazing player like you." Osaka, gracious in defeat, later posted on social media, "Congratulations to Victoria. You played a great match and have an amazing career ahead! I realize I didn't congratulate you on the court. Honestly I was in a daze." The mutual respect between the two champions was palpable, and the moment felt like a passing of the torch.
Mboko’s climb has been marked by notable rivalries and redemption arcs. Earlier this season, she suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Coco Gauff in the Rome second round, falling 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. But in Montreal, Mboko turned the tables, dispatching Gauff 6-1, 6-4. Gauff was quick to recognize the Canadian’s talent, stating, "I’m sure we’re going to have many more battles in the future. I think she’s going to have a lot of success on tour." With praise like that from a reigning Grand Slam champion, it’s clear Mboko’s peers are taking her seriously.
Mboko’s win is also a continuation of a proud Canadian tradition. In recent years, Canadian women have made waves on the world stage, with Bianca Andreescu claiming the US Open in 2019 and Leylah Fernandez finishing runner-up in 2021. Now, Mboko is poised to carry that torch even further. She’s set to be seeded in her US Open debut later this month, a remarkable achievement given her starting point at the beginning of the year. At Roland Garros, she advanced to the third round before falling to eighth seed and reigning Olympic singles champion Zheng Qinwen. At Wimbledon, she upset 25th seed Magdalena Frech in the first round. Mboko’s ability to rise to the occasion against top-tier competition is already becoming her trademark.
With the spotlight shining brightly, Mboko is receiving guidance from someone who knows a thing or two about sudden stardom—Bianca Andreescu. Andreescu, who herself captured her first WTA 1000 title at Indian Wells at age 18, followed by another in Toronto and that unforgettable US Open win, has experienced the highs and lows of the sport. Injuries and mental health challenges have tested her resilience, but they’ve also given her a unique perspective to share with the next generation.
Speaking from experience, Andreescu offered Mboko advice that goes beyond the technical aspects of the game. "I can only speak from experience. For me, I think what's super important is to enjoy the moment fully. You know, celebrate with your family, your friends, for as long as you can," Andreescu said. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the journey, not just the trophies, and surrounding oneself with a rock-solid support system. It’s the kind of wisdom that can make all the difference for a young athlete thrust into the global spotlight.
Andreescu’s mentorship couldn’t come at a better time. The pressures of sudden fame, heightened expectations, and the relentless grind of the tour can be overwhelming. Andreescu’s own rollercoaster journey—from peaking at No. 4 in the world to battling through injuries—serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. Her willingness to share her story and offer support speaks volumes about the camaraderie among Canadian tennis stars.
Mboko’s rise has also ignited excitement among fans and pundits alike. Her aggressive baseline play, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. Yet, she remains grounded, crediting her family, coaches, and the Canadian tennis community for their unwavering support. With her US Open debut on the horizon, expectations are sky-high. Will she follow in Andreescu’s footsteps and claim a Grand Slam title as a teenager? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: the tennis world will be watching closely.
As the summer hardcourt season heats up and the US Open approaches, Victoria Mboko stands at the crossroads of potential and achievement. With her historic Montreal victory, a rocket-fueled rise up the rankings, and the guidance of a Grand Slam champion, she’s poised for even greater heights. Canadian tennis fans have every reason to dream big—and with Mboko leading the charge, those dreams just might become reality.
