Victoria Mboko, the rising Canadian tennis star, has garnered significant attention during the National Bank Open presented by Rogers as she progresses toward the semifinals. After a successful run, including five wins, the 18-year-old is set to face No. 9 seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in the semifinals. Following her practice sessions, Mboko engaged with fans, signing autographs and taking selfies, indicating her growing popularity. Security was necessary to protect Mboko as she walked back to the locker room.
When Mboko debuted on July 27 at the tournament, she was not the headline story, but her performance quickly shifted that narrative. Her remarkable success has resonated both within the local tennis community and across Canada, as she captivated crowds and supporters with her skills and determination.
Ange-Kevin Koua, a graduation player from the University of North Dakota and a practice partner for Mboko, highlighted the increase in fan attendance during her practice sessions. Initially sparsely populated, the practices evolved into lively events, showcasing her rising star power in Canadian tennis. Some fans went to great lengths to catch a glimpse of her, even climbing benches to witness her practice.
However, with success comes new challenges. Mboko's meteoric rise to prominence may pose risks, as many athletes struggle to sustain their initial success. Her coach, Nathalie Tauziat, a former world No. 3, acknowledged this danger, noting that the rapid ascent might complicate Mboko's personal and professional journey. She emphasized the importance of maintaining composure amid increased attention and pressure, which could be overwhelming for young talents.
This week, Mboko showcases her exceptional talent, recording the same number of main-draw victories at the National Bank Open as all other Canadian players combined in 2025. Transitioning from a ranking outside the top 300 to achieving No. 85, her success has undoubtedly exceeded expectations. Furthermore, a win in the semifinals would elevate her ranking to the top 25, an achievement that seemed far-fetched just days prior.
The original objective set by Tauziat was for Mboko to achieve a ranking within the top 100 by year’s end, but her 51-9 record, including a stunning victory over top seed Coco Gauff in the fourth round, has propelled her ahead of schedule. If successful, she would be the youngest semifinalist since Belinda Bencic in 2015, further solidifying her status as a promising player.
Koua, who has known Mboko for eight years, expressed admiration for her natural talent and love for the game. He observed that she maintains a carefree attitude on the court, which helps reduce pressure and enhances her performance. Throughout the tournament, even without her top level of play, Mboko secured a victory against world No. 51 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, demonstrating her resilience and skill.
In the upcoming match, Mboko faces Rybakina, who previously defeated her in Washington earlier this season. Although Rybakina is an established player, Tauziat noted that Mboko's confidence and the home crowd's support could tip the balance in her favor. Mboko acknowledged the unique environment she faces while playing at home and expressed anticipation for an exciting match against Rybakina.
Rybakina, aware of Mboko's momentum, recognized her as a formidable opponent. "She's definitely dangerous," the 2022 Wimbledon champion said. "She has nothing to lose, and I’m sure she's enjoying herself out there.” The semifinal match promises to be a competitive clash as both players strive to secure a spot in the finals.
