As the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal barrels toward its climax, all eyes are on the highly anticipated semifinal showdown between former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and Canadian teenage phenom Victoria Mboko. Set for Wednesday, August 6, at IGA Stadium, the match pits the No. 9 seed and world No. 4 against an 18-year-old wildcard who has ignited the tournament with her fearless play. Rybakina, a seasoned 26-year-old with nine career titles, is bracing for a tough challenge from Mboko, whose stunning 6-1, 6-4 upset of world No. 2 Coco Gauff in the fourth round has marked her as a dangerous contender. With a spot in the final at stake, this clash promises to be a thrilling battle of experience versus youthful exuberance.
Mboko, ranked No. 85, has become the darling of Montreal, achieving a historic milestone as the first Canadian woman to reach the semifinals of the WTA 1000 event since Bianca Andreescu’s 2019 title run. At 18 years and 336 days, she’s also the youngest semifinalist since Belinda Bencic in 2015. Her path to the final four has been nothing short of spectacular, with victories over Australia’s Kimberly Birrell, former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin, Czech star Marie Bouzkova, and Gauff. Mboko’s quarterfinal win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, a 6-4, 6-2 rout, showcased her aggressive style, as she converted five of nine break points and dominated second-serve points. “I’m so excited to be in the semifinal here,” Mboko told the electric home crowd. “I train here, and it’s always a great opportunity to be here. My first time playing in Montreal has been an unreal experience, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Rybakina, who holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage after defeating Mboko 6-3, 7-5 at the Citi Open last week, is acutely aware of the Canadian’s potential. “She’s dangerous,” Rybakina said, praising Mboko’s game. “She has really good strokes, and she plays fast, and she has nothing to lose.” Their Washington encounter saw Mboko recover from early breaks, only to falter in critical moments, a testament to Rybakina’s ability to close out tight matches. The Kazakhstani star, whose powerful serve thrives on Montreal’s fast courts, credits the conditions for enhancing her game. “I think it’s fast courts and balls I enjoy,” she noted. “It’s very good for my serve, especially when it’s going.” Yet, with Mboko backed by a passionate home crowd, Rybakina knows she must stay sharp to avoid an upset.
Mboko’s breakout 2025 season has been a revelation. Starting the year at No. 333, she compiled a 51-9 record, including a 22-match winning streak across ITF events and five titles. Her Grand Slam performances—reaching the third round at Roland Garros and upsetting Magdalena Frech at Wimbledon—signaled her arrival, but Montreal has elevated her to new heights. Against Gauff, Mboko’s precision was staggering, saving all four break points and committing just 11 unforced errors. “Coming into this match, I was so locked in,” she said after that win. “I tried to keep my composure as much as I could playing in front of so many people.” The Montreal crowd, chanting “Vicky, Vicky, Vicky,” has been a constant boost. “Every day they’ve been coming to all my matches and supporting me a lot,” she added, crediting their energy for her resilience.
Rybakina’s journey to the semifinals has been a mix of dominance and grit. Her quarterfinal against Marta Kostyuk ended abruptly when the Ukrainian retired at 6-1, 2-1 due to a wrist injury, giving Rybakina a relatively fresh start for the semifinal. Earlier, she battled through a three-set war with Dayana Yastremska, overcoming nine double faults to notch her 20th hard-court win of the year. Despite occasional serving inconsistencies, Rybakina’s baseline power and 2025 form—five semifinals, including a Strasbourg title—make her the favorite. Bouzas Maneiro, Mboko’s quarterfinal opponent, warned of the Canadian’s tenacity: “I know that she’s a fighter. She’s put in a lot of power in her game.”
The semifinal matchup is a study in contrasts: Rybakina’s battle-tested experience against Mboko’s fearless momentum. With the top five seeds eliminated before the quarterfinals, the tournament is ripe for the taking. Mboko, a French-speaking Montreal native, is drawing inspiration from her training roots and the electric atmosphere. “I want to thank everyone for your support once again,” she told fans, hinting at tactical adjustments after her Washington loss to Rybakina. For Rybakina, a win would mark her first final since Miami 2024 and bolster her US Open preparations. As Mboko’s ranking surges toward the top 50, this match could define her ascent and test Rybakina’s ability to silence a rising star and a roaring crowd in one of tennis’s most vibrant settings.
Leave a Reply