Victoria Mboko Stuns Osaka to Win Canadian Open Title

Victoria Mboko Stuns Naomi Osaka to Win Canadian Open Title

Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko claimed her first WTA title by coming from behind to beat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in Montreal.

The 18-year-old wildcard, ranked 333rd at the start of 2024, will rise to world No. 24 after a run that saw her beat four Grand Slam champions, including Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin, Elena Rybakina, and Osaka.

From Nervous Debut to Champion

Playing her first Canadian Open in front of 11,000 home fans, Mboko admitted she never imagined winning the title:

“I would have never thought I’d make it to the final, let alone win the tournament,” Mboko said. “I have so many emotions going through my head, I can’t even express it.”

Her victory sparked celebrations so loud that the men’s final between Ben Shelton and Karen Khachanov in Toronto had to be paused as fans reacted to her triumph.

Fighting Spirit After Sloppy Start

Mboko dropped the first set in 38 minutes after making 22 unforced errors. The second set featured seven breaks of serve, but the Canadian held her nerve to level the match.

In the decider, she won five straight games to close out the title, with chants of “Allez Vicky” ringing around the stadium.

Rapid Rise and US Open Ahead

Mboko’s breakthrough follows a dominant start to the year, winning her first 22 matches on the ITF Tour. She has already reached the third round of the French Open and second round at Wimbledon.

The US Open begins on 24 August, but Mboko is managing expectations:

“It’s my first time playing it, so I just want to enjoy the process… it builds character.”

Osaka’s Comeback Continues

Osaka, chasing her third title since 2021, showed flashes of her best form but couldn’t match Mboko’s late surge. The 27-year-old, recently split from coach Patrick Mouratoglou, is rebuilding after her return from maternity leave.

“Victoria played really well. I completely forgot to congratulate her on the court, but she did amazing,” Osaka said.