Toronto’s own Victoria Mboko stands tall as one of the last two Canadians vying in the women’s singles draw at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.
In an electrifying match on Tuesday night, the 18-year-old sensation seized victory over 23rd-seeded American Sofia Kenin, triumphing with a score of 6-2, 6-3 in just 80 minutes. Kenin entered the second round with a bye, thanks to her ranking.
With this win, Mboko strides into the third round, set to challenge Marie Bouzkova from Czechia on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Bouzkova dispatched 14th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider with a 6-2, 7-6 result.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support me — merci beaucoup,” Mboko expressed to the Montreal audience after her match. “It was a tough match, especially playing so late at night—a completely new experience for me. I’m overjoyed to secure this win and celebrate it with all of you.”
Currently ranked No. 88 globally, Mboko is one of seven Canadians who received a wild card entry into the WTA 1000 main draw.
Her ascent in the WTA rankings has been nothing short of spectacular in 2025, skyrocketing from a starting position of 350th in the world at the season’s onset.
Tuesday’s match marked her fifth victory against a top-50 opponent this year, solidifying her status as the youngest Canadian to claim a win against a Grand Slam champion in women’s singles at the National Bank Open.
The only other Canadian woman left in the singles draw is Eugenie Bouchard, who continued her journey with a first-round win over Colombia’s Emiliana Arango on Monday night.
Leylah Fernandez and Rebecca Marino faced defeats in their matches on Tuesday, while Bianca Andreescu withdrew after her first-round triumph over Barbora Krejcikova of Czechia due to an ankle injury.
— with files from The Canadian Press
