Following her stunning triumph at the Canadian Open, Vicky Mboko took a moment to unwind at her home in Burlington, Ont. She then made her way back to Montreal — the city that witnessed her remarkable victory — to gear up for the upcoming US Open.
As she navigated the streets of Montreal between practice sessions, fans frequently approached Mboko for autographs, selfies, and words of praise. Each encounter reminded her of her incredible accomplishment: ascending to a career-high ranking of 24th in the world after clinching her first WTA title.
“Naturally, after her spectacular feat in Canada, Vicky’s life is bound to transform,” remarks her coach, Nathalie Tauziat, a former world No. 3 who has seen the 18-year-old evolve into a celebrated figure since they began collaborating last December, when she was ranked 348th. “Vicky is genuinely kind to everyone and maintains her composure.”
While kindness is indeed commendable, it’s that admirable calmness that Tauziat believes was crucial to Mboko’s success at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers. Throughout the tournament, Mboko exhibited unwavering poise, defeating top seed and world No. 2 Coco Gauff, and then facing off against former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the final.
“Her tranquility during the first few rounds genuinely amazed me,” Tauziat reflects, noting the palpable “serenity” surrounding Mboko throughout the tournament. Focused on one match at a time, Mboko refrained from glancing at the draw until her next match was secured.
“She was entirely focused on her approach for each match, and I believe that was crucial — albeit I’m unsure if she grasped the extent of her abilities,” Tauziat verbalizes. That realization came to fruition when Mboko raised the trophy aloft at IGA Stadium’s center court.
As she prepares for her US Open debut, Mboko will continue to adopt her match-by-match mindset. Ranked No. 22 and the highest-seeded Canadian, she faces a formidable opponent in her opening match, Barbora Krejcikova, last year’s Wimbledon champion.
Turning 19 on Tuesday, Mboko enters the US Open “not quite at 100 percent,” according to Tauziat, who notes a wrist injury sustained during her Montreal semi-final. However, she reassures, “she’s improving with each passing day.”
This marks Mboko’s third Grand Slam appearance, having previously competed in the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year, reaching the third round in Paris and winning her opening match in London. Balancing her competitive schedule with adequate rest has been key to her ascent. “Health is our priority, ensuring she’s ready to perform at her best,” Tauziat explains. “It’s vital she takes time off to connect with family and friends — it revitalizes her for her court performances.”
With an impressive 53-9 record this season, Tauziat acknowledges significant growth in Mboko’s footwork and her capability to strike early and play more assertively. The coach also highlights her strategic prowess against unfamiliar opponents as indicative of her maturing game. Still, the path ahead necessitates hard work. “Winning a major tournament doesn’t guarantee she will stay at the top. Continuous effort is essential,” Tauziat emphasizes, aspiring for her to ascend into the top 10, or higher.
Having once been ranked in the top five herself, Tauziat understands the challenges of maintaining that status. “Consistency is key, especially as we approach the most significant tournaments,” she adds.
Fans witnessed Mboko’s determination firsthand as she deftly carved her way through the tournament to claim her national title, staging comebacks from a set down in three matches, including the final against Osaka. “It wasn’t until she was up 4-1 in the deciding set that I truly believed she could seize the victory,” Tauziat admits.
However, for Mboko, confidence was a given even before stepping onto the court, as that’s her competitive philosophy. “It’s not about a drastic change — she enters the court with the intent to win,” Tauziat explains. “She always gives her utmost, and whether successful or not, she remains satisfied in that effort, which alleviates any pressure.”
This mindset serves Mboko well as she approaches the US Open, now carrying greater attention and expectations than ever before.
On the night of her Montreal victory, Tauziat retired around midnight, while Mboko and her loved ones reveled in their celebration.
“Enjoy every moment, you’ve earned it,” Tauziat advised Mboko. “Then, let’s ensure you’re ready for the US Open.”
