Montreal Quarterfinal Drama: Mboko Makes History, Rybakina Moves On
The women’s quarterfinals at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal brought plenty of excitement, a rising Canadian star, and unfortunate injury heartbreak.
🇨🇦 Victoria Mboko Stuns Again — Into Her First WTA 1000 Semifinal
18-year-old Victoria Mboko continues her dream run, defeating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets, 6–4, 6–2. The young Canadian started the match with energy, breaking early, but it was her momentum in the second set — winning six straight games — that showed her growing confidence on the big stage.
This victory marks a huge milestone:
- Mboko becomes the youngest Canadian to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.
- She’s also the first Canadian woman to do so since 2019.
With the home crowd fully behind her, Mboko is rewriting expectations with her powerful baseline play, fast movement, and fearless shot selection. Her run includes a massive upset win over a top seed earlier in the week, proving she’s no longer just a rising star — she’s here to contend.
🇰🇿 Rybakina Advances as Kostyuk Retires Mid-Match
In the day’s earlier quarterfinal, Elena Rybakina was leading 6–1, 2–1 when Marta Kostyuk was forced to retire due to a right arm injury. It was a disappointing end to what was expected to be a competitive encounter.
Rybakina started aggressively, dominating the rallies and converting three breaks of serve. Kostyuk, struggling physically from the outset, eventually called for a medical timeout before retiring in clear distress.
Rybakina, known for her consistent power and mental strength, moves comfortably into the semifinals and will now face Mboko in a much-anticipated clash between experience and youth.
🔥 What’s Next
- Mboko will face her biggest challenge yet as she meets 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the semifinals.
- The hometown crowd will be electric, backing the teenage sensation in what could become one of the most memorable nights in Canadian tennis.
📊 Quarterfinal Results
| Match | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mboko def. Bouzas Maneiro | 6–4, 6–2 | Mboko wins six straight games |
| Rybakina def. Kostyuk (ret.) | 6–1, 2–1 ret. | Kostyuk retires due to arm injury |
Montreal is buzzing with excitement as Canada’s own Victoria Mboko continues to defy expectations. The semifinal clash with Rybakina promises intensity, emotion, and perhaps another breakthrough moment.
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