MONTREAL — Victoria Mboko, after a lively practice session, delighted early-bird fans with autographs and selfies before being escorted back to her locker room by four vigilant security guards.
Prior to her debut at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers on July 27, Mboko had stirred interest within the Canadian tennis community, but not as the main attraction in this competitive WTA Tour 1000 event.
Fast forward five victories later, and it’s all about Mboko, with everyone else trailing behind in the excitement. The 18-year-old has captured the hearts of the local tennis enthusiasts, along with many across the nation, as she prepares for her semifinal match against Kazakhstan’s No. 9 seed, Elena Rybakina.
“It was amusing because during our first practice session, there were hardly any spectators. But with each passing day, the crowd kept growing,” shared Ange-Kevin Koua, a graduating player from the University of North Dakota and Laval native, who has been hitting with Mboko since the tournament began.
“Witnessing this growth is exhilarating. It’s wonderful for her to have so much support, even at practice.”
During her Tuesday practice, some fans went the extra mile, climbing small grandstands and standing on benches just to catch a glimpse of the emerging star who is on the brink of breaking into the top 50.
Mboko’s life has transformed almost overnight, presenting her with new challenges. The sports world is rife with tales of athletes who struggle to maintain their footing after sudden rises to fame.
“It’s a concern, of course,” commented Nathalie Tauziat, Mboko’s coach and a former world No. 3 player from France, when asked about the risks of her ranking soaring faster than her development.
“Plenty of women have surged to great heights, only to face difficulties in sustaining that success… As they succeed, money increases, and more people surround them, triggering life changes. It’s normal, but managing these shifts is crucial for her to keep the composure she has at present. She must learn to navigate these results to uphold her mindset, so she can train effectively, thrive mentally, and enjoy life. When she’s balanced in both mind and life, her tennis will flourish.”
Performing well has not been a concern for Mboko this week or this year, as she has matched the total number of main-draw National Bank Open victories that all other Canadian players combined (men and women) have achieved in 2025.
Having started outside the top 300 when she returned to Canada from Belgium to train with Tauziat and a Tennis Canada squad late last year, Mboko has impressively climbed to No. 85, and she will enter the top 50 once she finishes this tournament, her seventh WTA main draw. If she clinches the title, she could even land in the top 25—a dream that seemed out of reach just days prior.
Originally, Tauziat mentioned aiming for a top 100 finish by year-end. With a jaw-dropping 51-9 record, highlighted by a stunning victory over top seed Coco Gauff in the fourth round, the powerful and hard-hitting Mboko is ahead of her game. She is the youngest semifinalist in this event since Belinda Bencic, who won the title at 18 in 2015 in Toronto.
“Young players climbing to high levels often lose sight of their priorities,” Tauziat said. “For Vicky, it’s crucial to keep tennis as her top focus amidst everything else. Staying centered is vital, as many lose that perspective. You may soar, but without continuous effort and growth, the fall can be rapid.”
Koua has known Mboko for around eight years, having first encountered her at the under-12 nationals when she was just 10. He noted that her talent was evident even then, as was her attitude, which bodes well for her future.
“She genuinely seems to relish being out there,” Koua remarked, having also practiced with big names like Coco Gauff and Rybakina this week. “It’s clear she doesn’t burden herself with pressure. Instead, she goes out to enjoy the moment while remaining down-to-earth. I believe that’s a key factor in her outstanding performance.”
Even without her best performance, Mboko easily defeated world No. 51 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals on Monday.
To turn the tables against Rybakina, who previously bested her 6-3, 7-5 a fortnight ago in Washington, Mboko will need to elevate her game.
“I’m not sure if she’s playing better this week than in Washington, but she may have gained more confidence, which could be beneficial,” said Tauziat. “Rybakina has been playing exceptionally well; she’s fast and powerful, so it’s going to be a challenge. However, what Mboko has this week that Rybakina doesn’t is the support of the crowd, which might change the dynamics. We’ll see how it unfolds, but I have faith that the audience will rally behind Vicky.”
Mboko agrees that the crowd could play a pivotal role.
“I feel like the atmosphere is different now that I’m at home,” Mboko shared with Sportsnet’s Danielle Michaud on Tuesday. “I know what to expect, how fiercely I need to compete. I recognize Elena is an exceptional, powerful player… I’m feeling great, and I’m eagerly anticipating an enjoyable match tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Rybakina is acutely aware of the momentum behind her opponent.
“She’s definitely a threat,” remarked the 2022 Wimbledon champion. “She has nothing to lose and is clearly enjoying herself on the court. It’s going to be a tough match.”
