Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko secured a spot in the final of the National Bank Open by defeating ninth-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in an exhilarating semifinal match. The match, held in Montreal on August 6, 2025, saw the 18-year-old Mboko rally from a tough start to win 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(4), thrilling the home crowd with her resilience.
After saving a match point in the third set, Mboko managed to break Rybakina’s serve twice, culminating in a tense tiebreaker where she triumphed as Rybakina’s final shot went long. “Incredible match, thank you to everyone for supporting me,” Mboko expressed to the cheering crowd in French, highlighting the difficulties she faced during the match but emphasizing her belief that “anything can happen.”
In the final, Mboko will face Japanese star Naomi Osaka, who advanced after overcoming Clara Tauson of Denmark with a score of 6-2, 7-6(7) in the other semifinal. This match will mark a significant opportunity for Mboko as she tries to follow in the footsteps of other Canadian champions like Faye Urban and Bianca Andreescu.
With a current ranking of 85th in the world, Mboko is poised for a notable rise, projected to reach at least 34th with her performance in this tournament. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the crucial role the supportive crowd plays during challenging moments, stating, “Playing in front of the home crowd… really pulls me through in the tough moments.”
Rybakina, a seasoned competitor with a Wimbledon title under her belt, recognized Mboko’s strong play during their match and praised her serving under pressure. Despite her earlier victory over Mboko last month in Washington, she noted that this fiercely contested match could have easily swayed either way.
Mboko’s perseverance was tested not just by Rybakina but also by her own struggles, including battling 11 double faults and a wrist injury that nearly sidelined her mid-match. Yet, she remained composed, which she credits for her remarkable recovery and eventual victory.
Osaka’s return to form continues to captivate audiences, as she aims for her first title since the 2021 Australian Open, further electrifying the upcoming final showdown. The anticipation surrounding this match reflects not just the potential for Mboko to etch her name into Canadian tennis history, but also an inspiring narrative of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.