Is Mboko's Dream Run Continuing in Montreal with Her First WTA 1000 Semifinal?
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Synopsis
Victoria Mboko, the 18-year-old Canadian tennis sensation, has achieved a remarkable feat by reaching her first WTA 1000 semifinal at the Canadian Open. After defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, she now prepares to face Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina. Can she continue her astonishing journey?
Key Takeaways
- Victoria Mboko advances to her first WTA 1000 semifinal.
- She defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets.
- Mboko is the youngest Canadian player to reach this stage in the Open Era.
- Her coach is former Wimbledon finalist Nathalie Tauziat.
- She will face Elena Rybakina, a formidable opponent.
Montreal, Aug 5 (NationPress) Victoria Mboko continues her astonishing journey at the Canadian Open, as the 18-year-old successfully made it to her inaugural WTA 1000 semifinal after defeating the powerful Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
The Canadian wild card, who was ranked outside the Top 300 just one year ago, is anticipated to enter the world’s Top 50 following her remarkable performance this week.
Since 1970, Mboko is only the second Canadian player to reach the semifinals at the Canadian Open, following Bianca Andreescu in 2019. Furthermore, she becomes the youngest Canadian player in the Open Era to reach the semifinals at this prestigious event. In addition, she is the youngest player from any country to reach this milestone at the WTA 1000 level since Belinda Bencic in 2015.
Under the guidance of former Wimbledon finalist Nathalie Tauziat, Mboko is now the fourth Canadian woman to achieve a semifinal berth at a Tier 1/WTA 1000 event, joining Helen Kelesi, Eugenie Bouchard, and Andreescu.
In her upcoming semifinal match on Wednesday night, she faces Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina, who defeated Mboko just over a week ago in Washington in straight sets.
Earlier today, Kazakhstan's Rybakina advanced to her second semifinal in Montreal after Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk retired midway through their match.
Rybakina was leading 6-1, 2-1 when Kostyuk withdrew due to a wrist injury. This victory marks Rybakina's third consecutive win over her Ukrainian rival (U.S. Open 2023, Stuttgart 2024, and Montreal 2025), having lost their initial encounter in 2023 (Adelaide).
This marks Rybakina’s 10th WTA 1000-level semifinal and her fifth semifinal appearance of the season, ranking third on tour behind world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (nine) and No. 2 Iga Swiatek (seven).
The semifinal showdown between Mboko and Rybakina will be their second meeting in just two weeks, with Rybakina having triumphed over the Canadian 6-3, 7-5 at the Citi Open in Washington last week.
Point of View
It is inspiring to witness young talent like Victoria Mboko rise to prominence. Her achievement reflects not only her hard work but also the growing strength of Canadian tennis on the world stage. The nation stands behind her as she aims to make history at the Canadian Open.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Victoria Mboko defeat to reach the semifinals?
Victoria Mboko defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro with scores of 6-4, 6-2 to reach her first WTA 1000-level semifinal.
How old is Victoria Mboko?
Victoria Mboko is currently 18 years old.
Who is her next opponent in the semifinals?
Her next opponent is Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina.
What is significant about Mboko's achievement?
Mboko is the youngest Canadian player in the Open Era to reach the semifinals at the Canadian Open and only the second local player to do so since 1970.
What is Rybakina's record against Kostyuk?
Rybakina has won her last three matches against Marta Kostyuk, including the latest match at the Montreal Open.
