In one of the most sensational storylines of the 2025 tennis season, Victoria Mboko, an 18-year-old Canadian wild card, delivered a fairytale ending in Montreal by defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to claim her first WTA title at the National Bank Open.
Mboko’s 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 comeback victory wasn’t just a personal milestone — it instantly became a defining moment in Canadian tennis history. Cheered on by a roaring home crowd, Mboko overcame a shaky start to completely dominate the final set, outlasting one of the sport’s biggest stars.
🔥 A Historic Run
Mboko didn’t just win a title — she carved out a legacy:
- First wild card to win the National Bank Open since 1995.
- Lowest-ranked champion ever at the Montreal event in the Open Era.
- Defeated four Grand Slam champions en route: Kenin, Gauff, Rybakina, and Osaka.
- Just the third Canadian woman ever to win the title, and the first in Montreal.
And she did it all despite a wrist injury suffered just the day before the final. After undergoing tests, she was cleared to play — and what followed was pure magic. At 3-1 in the third set, Mboko saved four break points with clutch shot-making and steely nerve.
😲 Big Stage, Bigger Performance
In front of a packed stadium, Mboko’s energy was infectious. One rally saw her dive and stretch full-body to return a drop shot — drawing gasps and applause from the crowd. When the final point was won, she dropped to her knees, overwhelmed.
“Montreal, je vous aime!” she shouted in French, soaking in the standing ovation from her country.
🎙️ Osaka’s Silence Draws Attention
While Mboko stole the spotlight, the post-match moment raised eyebrows. Osaka left the court without a handshake, skipped the press conference, and didn’t congratulate her opponent during the trophy ceremony. Her silence sparked a wave of criticism from fans and tennis commentators alike.
🚀 What’s Next for Mboko?
From outside the Top 300 to now breaking into the WTA’s top 30, Victoria Mboko is suddenly a name to watch heading into the US Open and beyond. Her incredible poise, athleticism, and fearlessness against top-tier players signal that her victory in Montreal is just the beginning.
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