In a dazzling display of talent and tenacity, 18-year-old Victoria Mboko has taken the tennis world by storm, clinching her first WTA 1000 title at the National Bank Open in Montreal on August 7, 2025. The Canadian teenager’s fairy-tale run culminated in a thrilling 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, cementing her status as the sport’s newest sensation. Following this historic triumph, fellow Canadian star Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, offered heartfelt and “super important” advice to guide Mboko through the whirlwind of fame and pressure that comes with such a breakthrough. As Mboko prepares for the US Open, Andreescu’s wisdom provides a roadmap for navigating the challenges of sudden stardom.
Mboko’s journey to the Montreal title was nothing short of extraordinary. Entering the tournament as a wildcard ranked No. 85, she stunned a series of tennis titans, defeating former Grand Slam champions Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Osaka. This remarkable feat made her the first Canadian to defeat three major champions in a single WTA event in the Open Era, and only the second teenager to topple four in one tournament, following Serena Williams’ 1999 US Open run. Despite a wrist injury sustained in her semifinal against Rybakina, which required X-rays and an MRI just hours before the final, Mboko’s resilience shone through. “It’s been an incredible week here in Montreal,” she said during the trophy presentation, her voice filled with emotion. “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 an amazing player like you.”
The victory propelled Mboko 61 spots up the WTA rankings to No. 24, positioning her as a likely seed at the upcoming US Open. Her path echoed Andreescu’s own breakthrough in 2019, when she became the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title at Flushing Meadows. Andreescu, who also claimed the Canadian Open title that year, sees parallels in Mboko’s fearless approach. “It was so beautiful,” Andreescu said of Mboko’s Montreal triumph. “That moment was incredible. I mean, obviously for her too, but just for Canadian tennis in general. I think it just shows the depth and the bright future that Canadian tennis has.” Having experienced a meteoric rise herself, Andreescu offered poignant advice to help Mboko navigate the spotlight.
In a heartfelt interview, Andreescu urged Mboko to savor the moment while staying grounded. “She’ll never win her first WTA title again,” Andreescu noted. “So I think really living in the present moment is super important.” She encouraged Mboko to celebrate with family and friends but reminded her of the relentless nature of professional tennis. “There’s a tournament every week, so it’s a delicate balance,” she said. “Really enjoy this victory, but remember to return to the grind.” Andreescu emphasized maintaining focus on the process over results, warning of the distractions that come with newfound fame. “Surround yourself with those who genuinely care about you,” she advised. “It’s really important that she keeps her circle tight and really trust her intuition on who to keep in her circle.”
Mboko’s Montreal run was a testament to her mental toughness and versatile game. Despite dropping the first set in three of her matches, including the final, she staged stunning comebacks, converting eight of nine break points against Osaka. Her ability to blend power with tactical precision overwhelmed opponents, earning praise from peers like Madison Keys, who said, “She’s a fantastic tennis player. I don’t think any of us were too surprised that she’s had the rise that she’s had.” Mboko’s decision to skip the Cincinnati Open to focus on US Open preparation reflects her maturity, a trait Andreescu has long admired. “I know that she was always a hard worker,” Andreescu shared, recalling their chats in Toronto. “We recently started talking a little bit more, and she’s great.”
For Andreescu, Mboko’s triumph is bittersweet. The 25-year-old, currently ranked No. 174 due to injuries, suffered an ankle injury during her first-round match in Montreal, forcing her to withdraw before facing Mirra Andreeva. “It’s been tough, but I’m focusing on rehab and taking it day by day,” Andreescu said, hopeful for a US Open return. Her mentorship of Mboko underscores the tight-knit nature of Canadian tennis, a program that has produced stars like Leylah Fernandez and Felix Auger-Aliassime. “We know Canada is a very multicultural country,” Andreescu said, praising Tennis Canada’s inclusive approach.
As Mboko prepares for Flushing Meadows, her Montreal triumph and Andreescu’s guidance position her as a rising force. With a game that’s both intelligent and physical, and a mindset honed by her Congolese-Canadian roots and coaching from former Wimbledon finalist Nathalie Tauziat, Mboko is poised for greatness. Her story, like Andreescu’s, is one of resilience and ambition, signaling a bright future for Canadian tennis on the global stage.
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