Victoria Mboko continues to make waves in the tennis world as the 18-year-old Canadian sensation reached her first career WTA Tour semifinal at the National Bank Open in Montreal. On Monday night, Mboko secured a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory over Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, showcasing her resilience and skill on the court.

A Breakthrough Performance

Mboko's journey to the semifinal has been nothing short of spectacular. Just two days after her stunning 62-minute victory over world No. 2 Coco Gauff, the young star displayed no signs of slowing down. Despite a shaky start in the second set, Mboko broke back in the fourth and sixth games to take a commanding 4-2 lead, ultimately sealing the match.

Historic Achievement

This marks the first time a Canadian has reached the WTA 1000 event's semifinals since Bianca Andreescu's title run in 2019. Additionally, Mboko is the youngest woman to reach this stage since Belinda Bencic's 2015 triumph in Toronto. Her performance has not only captivated fans but also signaled her arrival as a serious contender on the WTA Tour.

Next Challenge: Elena Rybakina

In the semifinal, Mboko will face Elena Rybakina, the No. 9 seed from Kazakhstan. Rybakina advanced to the semifinals after Marta Kostyuk retired due to an apparent arm injury. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both players in top form.

A Rising Star

Mboko's 2025 season has been a breakthrough year, propelling her from outside the top 300 to a career-high No. 85 in the WTA rankings. With her current form, she is projected to climb even higher, potentially breaking into the top 50. Her impressive record of 25-8 against higher-ranked players and 51-9 in all competitions underscores her growing dominance.

Tournament Highlights

In Montreal, Mboko has defeated a series of formidable opponents, including 79th-ranked Kimberly Birrell, No. 23 seed Sofia Kenin, 39th-ranked Marie Bouzkova, and world No. 2 Coco Gauff. Her relentless drive and ability to perform under pressure have made her one of the most exciting players to watch this season.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Mboko as she aims to continue her historic run and potentially claim her first WTA title.