18-year-old Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko is officially a WTA Tour champion after defeating former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the final of the National Bank Open.
Mboko delivered one of the most remarkable breakout runs in recent memory, having already beaten three Major champions—Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina—on her way to the final. In front of an electric hometown crowd, she added another Major winner to her list, capping off a dream week with a dramatic three-set win over Osaka.
Osaka Dominates Early with Tactical Precision
Osaka began the match with confidence and composure, leaning on her big-match experience to unsettle the teenage debutant. After a comfortable opening hold, she broke Mboko immediately, targeting the Canadian’s forehand with relentless pressure.
The early break gave Osaka the momentum she needed, as she broke again later in the set to take it 6-2, showcasing her clean ball striking and aggressive court positioning.
Mboko Battles Through Break-Filled Second Set
The second set started with both players struggling on serve, resulting in five consecutive breaks. Mboko finally managed to hold serve to go up 4-2, giving herself a crucial cushion.
Although the pair would exchange breaks once more, Mboko, despite dealing with an ailing wrist, held her nerve to serve out the set and force a decider, much to the delight of the Montreal crowd.
Crowd Lifts Mboko in Gritty Decider
The third set began in a similarly scrappy fashion, with three straight breaks of serve. Mboko was once again the first to steady herself, holding serve and feeding off the crowd’s energy to swing the momentum in her favour.
With her athleticism on full display and her mental strength shining through, she surged ahead, putting herself one game away from victory. With the fans on their feet, Mboko sealed the match with one final break, closing out an unforgettable performance on home soil.
A New Canadian Star is Born
The wait for Naomi Osaka’s comeback title continues, but the tennis world has surely gained a new star in Victoria Mboko.
This result also comes with additional rewards for both finalists, as their deep runs in Montreal will likely ensure seeded spots at the upcoming US Open—arguably the bigger objective coming into the tournament.
That’s it from Montreal, where a new chapter in Canadian tennis history has been written. Onward to Cincinnati, as the tour rolls on.
