Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko has quickly become one of tennis’s most exciting new stars. The 19-year-old shocked the tennis world in August when she won the Montreal title, defeating four Grand Slam champions on her way to the trophy. Her performance reminded many of the early days of Serena Williams, and the comparisons soon followed.
Mboko’s Montreal run was remarkable. She became the youngest player since Serena Williams to beat four major champions in one tournament. Her victories came against top players — Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Naomi Osaka — all established names in world tennis. These wins earned her the WTA 1000 title and marked her as a future champion in the sport.
After her incredible success in Canada, many wondered if Mboko could keep up the same level. She answered those doubts with another strong showing in Hong Kong, where she won the title by defeating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in a tough three-set match. The final lasted nearly three hours, ending 7-5, 6-7(9), 6-2, making it the longest tour-level final of the season. Her determination and fitness shone throughout the match.
Mboko’s journey in 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. At the start of the year, she was ranked 350th in the world. Now, after her Hong Kong win, she has stormed into the top 20, reaching the 18th position with a stunning 60–14 win-loss record this season. Her quick rise shows how much potential she holds and how her game has matured within a short span.
After her Hong Kong victory, Mboko said she tries to remain calm and avoid putting too much pressure on herself. She shared that each match feels different and that she prefers to take one day at a time. “There are so many talented players, you never know what’s going to happen,” she said. “I just try to stay positive and keep fighting, even when I’m tired.” Her mindset reflects both maturity and focus — qualities that have helped her succeed early in her career.
Victoria Mboko’s life story is as inspiring as her tennis journey. Born in the United States to parents who fled political unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mboko moved to Canada when she was very young. She began playing tennis at the age of four in Ontario. Her family’s journey and her determination to succeed show the power of resilience and hard work.
Known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful serve, Mboko’s tennis style reflects confidence and control. She plays with a fearless attitude, often taking charge of rallies and dictating points from the back of the court. In Hong Kong, she proved her fighting spirit by winning four of her five matches in three sets, showing endurance and mental toughness.
Tennis coaches and analysts have taken notice of Mboko’s skills. Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ former coach, praised her fearlessness, saying she “has no respect” — not in a negative way, but meaning she doesn’t fear facing top players. “She plays to win, no matter who is across the net,” he said. He believes her physical strength, court presence, and attacking style make her a future Grand Slam champion.
Another respected tennis coach, Rick Macci, who trained greats like Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick, also believes Mboko is destined for greatness. He called her “the real deal” and predicted she would soon enter the top five of the WTA rankings. “She produces high-quality tennis on the run, and at 18, her career has just begun,” Macci wrote.
With her rapid improvement, fearless attitude, and strong physical game, Victoria Mboko is emerging as a new face of women’s tennis. Her back-to-back victories in Montreal and Hong Kong prove she is ready to challenge the world’s best. Many experts believe she could soon join the ranks of the top players and perhaps even follow in Serena Williams’ footsteps.
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