Following her stunning, fairy-tale run to the National Bank Open title, Canadian phenom Victoria Mboko has decided to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open. The decision, which also saw fellow finalist Naomi Osaka pull out of the tournament, was not made lightly. According to Mboko’s coach, Nathalie Tauziat, the primary reasons were to manage a left wrist injury and to ensure the 18-year-old is in prime condition for the upcoming US Open.
Mboko’s Cinderella story in Montreal was a grueling affair. As a wildcard, she defeated four Grand Slam champions, including a hard-fought final against Osaka. During her semifinal victory, she suffered a nasty fall that resulted in a wrist injury. Despite the swelling and pain, she heroically battled through the final, demonstrating incredible grit and determination to secure her maiden WTA tour title. “When I woke up this morning, it was pretty swollen, and it was really stiff and hard to move,” Mboko said after the final, admitting she had to get an MRI and X-ray to ensure she could even play. The “green light” from her medical team allowed her to compete, but the ordeal highlighted the physical toll her deep run had taken.
The rapid turnaround between the Montreal and Cincinnati tournaments, both elevated to WTA 1000 status with expanded 96-player draws, left little time for recovery. Both Mboko and Osaka, as finalists, were granted a first-round bye in Cincinnati, but the travel and the need to play again just two days after their monumental final proved too much. The decision to withdraw was a strategic one, made with the long-term goal of the US Open in mind.
Tauziat, Mboko’s coach, was clear in her reasoning. “After Roland-Garros, when we defined the schedule up to the US Open, we set some goals,” she stated, “Based on the way she’s playing, we know she’s capable of doing something big in New York.” The coach emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health and preparation for the final major of the year. “We want to focus 100% on that tournament, arriving well prepared and injury-free,” Tauziat added. The withdrawal from Cincinnati was deemed “vital” to that plan, a necessary sacrifice to protect her body and her chances at Flushing Meadows.
Mboko’s remarkable victory in Montreal has propelled her to a career-high ranking of World No. 24, guaranteeing her a seeded spot at the US Open. This meteoric rise from being ranked No. 333 just a year ago makes her a player to watch. By taking this strategic rest, Mboko is not only allowing her wrist to heal but also giving herself a crucial window to recover mentally and physically from the emotional high of her first major title. The decision, though disappointing for Cincinnati fans, is a smart move that shows the maturity of a young player with her sights set on even greater achievements.
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