Victoria Mboko continued her spectacular 2025 season by defeating her close friend Alexandra Eala in a thrilling Hong Kong Open encounter.
The 19-year-old Canadian showcased incredible resilience after trailing 1-4 in the deciding set, ultimately winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals.
“It’s never easy facing a friend, especially one I’ve known for so long,” Mboko said after her hard-fought victory on Thursday.
Her bond with Eala made the clash emotionally challenging, as both players have shared countless moments together off the court this season.
Mboko admitted she had to battle for every single point, showing remarkable mental strength in the closing stages of the intense contest.
The pair exchanged a warm embrace at the net, a testament to their friendship despite the high-stakes atmosphere of the tournament.
As Mboko shared later, “We’ll go get bubble tea together; we always do the most wholesome things off court as best friends.”
Her latest success comes months after her stunning WTA 1000 triumph in Montreal, where she captured her first tour-level title in August.
Following that historic win, Mboko endured a tough four-match losing streak but has since regained her form with back-to-back quarterfinal runs.
The Hong Kong Open marks her first Asian swing, and she expressed her excitement about embracing new challenges and aiming for another title.
“It’s my first time playing in Hong Kong, and I’m really motivated to go for it all this week,” Mboko said confidently.
Currently ranked a career-high World No. 21, Mboko is projected to enter the Top 20 if she overcomes sixth seed Anna Kalinskaya in the quarterfinals.
Her remarkable determination and consistency have positioned her as one of the brightest young stars on the WTA Tour this season.
Fans and analysts alike believe Mboko’s emotional victory over Eala could be a turning point that propels her deeper into the elite rankings.
With her powerful baseline game and unwavering focus, Mboko looks ready to make history and secure her long-awaited Top 20 debut.
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