Victoria Mboko makes WTA debut as a rising star

Victoria Mboko, daughter of Congolese refugees, discovers tennis at three and rises to world No 25 inspired by the Williams sisters and Bianca Andreescu.

Victoria Mboko rises as a new WTA star inspired by Williams sisters and Bianca Andreescu

Montreal saw Victoria Mboko deliver a breakout performance at the WTA 1000, defeating Naomi Osaka to win her first WTA title in her first final at 18. The Canadian climbed from outside the top 300 to No 24 during the run, with wins over Slam champions and a dramatic comeback that captivated the crowd.

Mboko was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Congolese emigrants Cyprien Mboko and Godee Kitadi. She picked up a racket at age three and has built her progress with a strong family base and the guidance of former world No. 3 Nathalie Tauziat. Earlier this season she reached the Parma final, losing to Mayar Sherif, and now faces a busy late-year schedule that includes Cincinnati before the US Open, where expectations will mount after a home triumph in Canada.

Mboko’s rise highlights how talent travels across borders and can emerge from immigrant families to capture global attention. The momentum in Canada’s tennis pipeline is evident as a young player shifts from anonymity to a top 25 ranking, buoyed by vocal fan support and a mentor in Tauziat.

Yet the story also raises questions about backing long-term potential. Sustaining performance requires careful scheduling, continued coaching, and resilience against the glare of spotlight and expectations. If Mboko can translate this milestone into steady improvement, she could redefine the contours of Canadian tennis and offer a blueprint for how diverse backgrounds enrich the sport.

Highlights

Her ascent is as much about the story as the score, signaling a new chapter for the sport.