Victoria Mboko Continues Dream Run in Montreal to Reach Semis

Canadian Teen Victoria Mboko Into Her First WTA 1000 Semi-Final in Montreal

If you’ve been following the Canadian Open this week, you’ve probably heard the name Victoria Mboko more than once — and for good reason. The 18-year-old Canadian sensation is taking Montreal by storm, and her latest victory, a commanding 6-4 6-2 win over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, has secured her a spot in the semi-finals of the WTA 1000 event.

It’s the stuff dreams are made of — a teenager on home soil, toppling seasoned players and seasoned expectations in equal measure. This win comes fresh off her headline-making fourth-round upset over two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff.

Now, she’s one win away from a place in the final.

Mboko’s Montreal Magic: From Qualifier to Contender

What’s perhaps most impressive about Mboko’s run in Montreal is how complete and composed her game looks for someone still in her teens. Ranked No. 85 coming into the tournament, she’s played with the poise of a tour veteran, combining power, precision, and nerves of steel.

Speaking after her win, Mboko was all smiles:

“I’m so excited to be in the semi-final here,” she said during her on-court interview. “My first time playing in Montreal has been an unreal experience, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Her next challenge is a big one — she’ll face Elena Rybakina, the ninth seed and 2022 Wimbledon champion. The two faced off just last month at the Washington Open, where Rybakina got the better of the Canadian. But this version of Mboko, buoyed by home support and red-hot form, looks like a different animal altogether.

The Meteoric Rise of Victoria Mboko

Alexander Zverev clenches his right fist in celebration mboko

It’s easy to forget that Mboko started 2025 ranked outside the top 300. She opened the season with a jaw-dropping 22-match win streak on the ITF circuit, collecting five titles in a span of just a few months. That momentum carried her to her WTA Tour debut in March, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Her breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage came at the French Open, where she battled her way into the third round. A month later, she followed that up with a statement win over 25th seed Magdalena Frech in the first round at Wimbledon.

Now, after a string of big-name wins in Montreal, she’s projected to crack the top 50 when the next WTA rankings are released — a remarkable feat for a player who was virtually unknown to the wider tennis public just a few months ago.

Mboko is now also the first Canadian to reach the semi-finals in Montreal since Bianca Andreescu lifted the trophy back in 2019. And at 18, she becomes the youngest woman to make it to the final four at this tournament since Belinda Bencic in 2015.

Rybakina Awaits, After Opponent Retires

While Mboko dazzled her way into the semis, her opponent Rybakina had a far less strenuous path. The Kazakh advanced after Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk was forced to retire in their quarter-final clash due to a wrist injury. Rybakina was leading 6-1, 2-1 at the time, and appeared to be cruising when the match was called.

The 25-year-old will be the clear favourite on paper, but Mboko’s momentum, crowd support, and fearless play could make this semi-final a much tighter affair than expected.

Zverev Reaches 75th Career Semi-Final in Toronto

On the men’s side of the action in Toronto, Alexander Zverev added another milestone to his already-impressive resume. The German star battled past defending champion Alexei Popyrin in a three-set thriller: 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-3.

With the win, Zverev notched his 75th career semi-final appearance on the ATP Tour, joining Novak Djokovic as the only active male players to reach that number.

He’ll next face Russian Karen Khachanov, who earned his spot in the semis with a straight-sets win over rising American Alex Michelsen, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).

Djokovic Withdraws from Cincinnati

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Cincinnati Open, citing “non-medical” reasons, according to tournament organizers. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has been nursing a groin injury since Wimbledon, where he was defeated by Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

At 38 years old, Djokovic is being cautious with his schedule and is now unlikely to play again before the US Open, which begins August 24. His absence opens the door for several contenders, including Zverev, to build momentum ahead of the year’s final Slam.

Mboko’s Moment: A Star in the Making

Back in Montreal, all eyes are now firmly on Victoria Mboko. Her rise is not just a feel-good story — it’s a sign of the changing landscape in women’s tennis. Confident, athletic, and fearless, she’s already become a fan favourite in Canada and is fast becoming a player to watch on the global stage.

If she can keep this run going and pull off another upset against Rybakina, Mboko will not only reach her first WTA 1000 final — she’ll officially announce herself as a contender at the sport’s highest level.

What’s Next for the Teen Star?

Whatever happens in the semi-final, Victoria Mboko’s performance in Montreal has already reshaped the trajectory of her season — and possibly her career. Sponsors, ranking points, wildcard entries, and a new legion of fans will follow.

But more than any of that, she’s proven she belongs. And at just 18, this could be the start of something truly special.

Stay tuned. Canada might just have another tennis superstar on its hands.