🇨🇦 Victoria Mboko Makes History in Montreal: A Wildcard No More
Montreal, August 7, 2025 — In a performance that electrified the nation, 18-year-old Victoria Mboko stunned the tennis world by defeating Naomi Osaka to win the National Bank Open. The final score: 2–6, 6–4, 6–1.
🔥 From Underdog to Unstoppable
Mboko entered the tournament ranked No. 85 and unseeded. Her path to the title was a gauntlet of champions:
- Sofia Kenin (Australian Open winner)
- Coco Gauff (2025 French Open champion)
- Elena Rybakina (Wimbledon champion)
- And finally, Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner
Each match showcased Mboko’s fearless play and mental toughness, culminating in a comeback victory in the final.
🏥 Battling Injury, Winning Hearts
Just hours before the final, Mboko was in a Montreal hospital for an MRI on her swollen wrist. Cleared to play, she returned to the court with her wrist heavily taped and her resolve stronger than ever.
🎾 The Final Showdown
Osaka dominated early, but Mboko flipped the script:
- Broke Osaka three times in the second set
- Held serve through six deuces in the third
- Sealed the win with a drop shot that brought the crowd to its feet
Chants of “Vicky! Vicky!” echoed through IGA Stadium as she collapsed in joy.
🎾 Naomi Osaka: A Champion’s Return
Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner and global icon, returned to Montreal with renewed focus and fire. Her run to the final reminded fans why she’s one of the sport’s most electrifying talents. Though she fell to Mboko in a dramatic three-set battle, Osaka’s grace and power were on full display — setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling comeback season.
📈 A Meteoric Rise
Mboko’s win catapults her to No. 24 in the world rankings, up from No. 85 just days ago. She’s now:
- The first Canadian woman to win the NBO in Montreal
- The youngest Canadian to win a WTA 1000 title
- The third Canadian ever to win the event in the Open Era
Her season record now stands at 53–9, with over $1.2 million in prize money earned.
💬 Mboko’s Moment
“When I was younger, these achievements felt so far away,” Mboko said through tears. “Honestly, I would tell myself to never stop believing.”
📬 Stay in the Game
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