Victoria Mboko’s Journey
Victoria Mboko, an 18-year-old Canadian tennis sensation, has been making headlines with her remarkable performance at the WTA 1,000 Canadian Open in Montreal, where she recently secured a spot in the semifinals. This achievement follows her impressive third-round showing at her Grand Slam debut at the French Open, where she stunned fans and analysts alike.
Making a Statement
Mboko, who was born in the United States to Congolese parents and raised in Canada, announced her presence on the tennis scene by defeating former Wimbledon quarterfinalist during the French Open. She explained her unconventional approach to managing the pressure of high-stakes matches by downplaying the significance of the events.
- “Kind of just play it down,” she said after her win over New Zealand’s Lulu Sun.
- Her run at Roland-Garros concluded in a loss to Chinese star Zheng Qinwen, but she left an indelible mark on the tournament.
“Pretend like you’re playing somewhere else, that you’re not at a Grand Slam,” she added, highlighting her strategy of reducing pressure on herself.
Canadian Pride and Multiculturalism
Mboko’s ascent parallels that of other Canadian tennis stars, including Bianca Andreescu and Leylah Fernandez, all of whom come from diverse backgrounds. Andreescu, who has become a mentor to Mboko, praised Canada’s multicultural environment, saying, “Tennis Canada really has built this program in the acceptance of everybody, no matter who you are.”
A Winning Streak
Since the start of 2023, Mboko has been on an impressive winning streak, currently boasting a 49-9 record. Her coaches had previously urged her to take her time on the court due to past knee injuries, but her success on the ITF World Tennis Tour and WTA 125 events has raised concerns about managing her busy schedule.
The Path to Success
Buoyed by her recent victories, including defeating two-time major champion Coco Gauff, Mboko is gearing up to face 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in Montreal. Her brother Kevin, who is also a tennis coach, remarked on her determination, recalling a moment when she woke up intent on winning.
A Supportive Family
Mboko credits her family for keeping her grounded during her rapid rise. Her siblings provide support and encouragement, ensuring she remains focused amidst the whirlwind of success.
“There is so much happening even behind the scenes,” Mboko said. “I have just been enjoying the moment.”
Overcoming Challenges
Mboko’s journey has not been without challenges. After declining performances at the end of 2022, she embraced a fresh start in 2023 and committed to her aggressive playing style, embracing every opportunity to grow on the court.
Her strategy includes a diverse play style, incorporating drop shots and powerful serves. With guidance from coach Nathalie Tauziat, who reached No. 3 in the world, Mboko is blending technique and power, reminiscent of her idol, Serena Williams.
Looking Ahead
With valuable lessons learned from past matches, especially against players like Gauff, Mboko remains focused on staying present during competitions. As she continues her journey in tennis, the support of her family and her own tenacity seem set to take her far.
As her coach Marko Strillic aptly put it, “If she keeps winning, you have to figure out a way to manage the schedule so that she doesn’t get hurt. This is for the long term.”
