Mboko claims Montreal title

Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko shocks Montreal by beating four major champions to capture her first WTA title.

Mboko defeats four grand slam champions to win Montreal title

In a rousing finish at the National Bank Open in Montreal, 18-year-old Victoria Mboko defeated Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 to win her first WTA Tour title. The final drew a sold-out crowd as Mboko, ranked 85th and entering as a wildcard, celebrated on home soil while the men’s final played out in Toronto.

Mboko’s run featured wins over four major champions — Osaka, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Sofia Kenin — and she became only the third teen in the open era to defeat four major champions at a single WTA event, the youngest since Serena Williams in 1999. Her performance this week marked a rapid rise from outside the top 300 at the start of the year to a No 24 ranking after the title. She also saved a match point in the semifinal against Rybakina, underscoring her nerve under pressure.

Her coaching team, including Nathalie Tauziat, helped Mboko learn to balance aggression with patience, a combination that suited her multi-faceted game. Off court, Mboko’s background adds another layer to the story: born in the United States to Congolese parents who fled political turmoil, she grew up in Toronto with tennis in her blood and a lifelong dream of reaching the sport’s biggest stages.

Mboko’s breakthrough signals a wave of young players entering the upper echelons faster than before. Her ascent, aided by a strong support system and a coach who emphasizes mental calm as much as power, mirrors a broader shift in women’s tennis where raw talent meets disciplined preparation. The Montreal triumph also highlights how national markets can amplify a player’s rise, turning a breakout into a national moment.

But the glow around Mboko brings questions about sustainability. The early burst of success will test her consistency on the tour, and the pressure to replicate a breakthrough can risk burnout if not managed with ongoing development and proper scheduling. Canada now watches closely as Mboko navigates the next big challenges, starting with the US Open and beyond.

Highlights

Canada will be watching Mboko closely as she transitions from breakout to staple on the tour.