Victoria Mboko: Makes History at WTA 1000 Montreal

18-year-old Victoria Mboko made history by winning the WTA 1000 Montreal. The young Canadian, daughter of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, started from a wild card and reached the top, defeating Naomi Osaka in the final with 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Mboko successively eliminated Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina. Her journey was reminiscent of Serena Williams in 1999 at the US Open. She started 2025 at number 333 and is now rising to number 24.

She is the second Canadian to win the Canadian Open since 1970, after Bianca Andreescu in 2019. Her coach, Nathalie Tauziat, emphasized her competitiveness and her ability to return to the game.

Her father, Cyprien Mboko, left Congo in the late 90s. Victoria grew up on the tennis courts and is now a name everyone should watch out for.