Victoria Mboko reached the first-ever WTA 1000 final after upsetting former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals of the Canadian Open in Montreal, Afrosport reports.
The 18-year-old Canadian of DR Congo heritage lost the first set but saved a match point in the second set before going on to seal a 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) win over Rybakina.
Mboko, who is currently ranked 85th in the world, was a wildcard entry for her home tournament and will now face four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the final after her 6-2, 7-6 (9-7) victory over Clara Tauson in the other semi-final.
Reacting after the match, Mboko thanked the fans for their support. She said: “Incredible match, thank you to everyone for supporting me. It was really difficult, but anything can happen.
“Playing in front of the home crowd, obviously, has its advantages. You always have everyone pumping you up as much as they can. It really pulls me through in the tough moments where I’m maybe not as positive. Really blessed to have that kind of support.”
She’s taking names 📝#OBN25 pic.twitter.com/ttuMimD5g7
— wta (@WTA) August 7, 2025
Mboko started the year ranked 333rd but went on a 22-match winning streak and is now set to enter the top 50 in next week’s updated rankings following big victories over Coco Gauff and Sofia Kenin on her run to the final, making her the first Canadian player to defeat three Grand Slam champions in a single WTA event in open era history.
