Victoria Mboko, an 18-year-old Canadian wildcard player, made history by defeating world tennis icon Naomi Osaka in the final of the 2025 Canadian Open. The teenage sensation overcame a slow start to secure her first WTA title in front of a jubilant home crowd in Montreal.
She beat Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in a tough and emotional three-set battle, marking a powerful breakout moment in her career.
From Underdog to Champion
Victoria Mboko began the year ranked No. 333 in the world. She entered the Canadian Open as a wildcard and wasn’t expected to go far, yet, match after match, she defied the odds.
In the final, she faced her biggest test yet; Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most experienced players in the game. After losing the first set 2-6 due to errors and nerves, Mboko found her rhythm in the second set and began to fight back.
The second set was full of breaks and tense moments, but Mboko managed to hold her nerve and take it 6-4. In the final set, she took full control, winning five straight games to close out the match and claim the title.
This wasn’t just a win, it was a statement to the world that a new star had arrived.
Naomi Osaka Reacts to Surprise Defeat
Despite the disappointment of losing, Naomi Osaka handled the defeat with maturity and class. After the match, she praised her young opponent:
“I’m happy to have played the final. Victoria played really well… she did really amazing,” she said. “It’s funny, this morning I was very grateful and I don’t know why my emotions flipped so quickly.”
Osaka, who returned to tennis after a maternity break, was competing in her second final of the year. Her performance showed signs of improvement, but she couldn’t keep up with Mboko’s late-game energy.
She’s now headed to the Cincinnati Open, as part of her preparation for the upcoming US Open.
Crowd Erupts as Mboko Lifts the Trophy
The final point of the match sent the Montreal crowd into a frenzy, with fans chanting “Allez Vicky!” as she raised her hands in victory. The celebrations weren’t limited to Montreal, in Toronto, where the men’s final was happening, the crowd broke into cheers upon hearing the news of Mboko’s win.
The outburst confused American player Ben Shelton, who stopped playing mid-match to ask the umpire what was going on.
Later, Shelton posted on Instagram:
“Congrats on the title Vicky Mboko. I had no idea what was going on at the time but Toronto went nuts for you.”
This unusual moment shows just how much Mboko’s win meant to Canadians, and tennis fans across the world.
Who is Victoria Mboko? A Look at the Rising Star
Victoria Mboko was born in 2006 and is part of a new wave of Canadian tennis talent. Known for her calm personality and fierce determination, she has shown growth in every tournament she’s played.
This year, she reached the third round of the French Open and the second round at Wimbledon. The Canadian Open was only her first appearance in Montreal, making her win even more special.
In her words:
“I was super happy to be playing in Montreal for the first time ever… I never thought I would make it to the final, let alone win.”
“Not everything will go my way, but I just want to enjoy the process… I think it builds character.”
Her playing style is aggressive but smart, and most importantly, she’s not afraid of tough situations. In fact, she came from behind in three separate matches during the tournament to win. Her mental strength is already turning heads.
What This Win Means for Tennis And for Mboko
Mboko’s win doesn’t just give her a trophy, it changes her future. She’s now expected to rise to world number 34, making her one of the youngest players in the top 40.
She’s also likely to be watched closely as she prepares for her US Open debut later this month.
For Naomi Osaka, the result may sting, but it’s also a sign that she’s regaining her form. Reaching the final showed that she’s still a dangerous player, even if she’s not yet back to her peak.
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