MONTREAL — Canadian tennis sensation Victoria Mboko has continued her dream run at the National Bank Open, defeating Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets to secure a spot in the semi-finals. The 17-year-old wildcard, ranked No. 298 in the world, delivered a commanding performance, winning 6-3, 6-2 in just under 90 minutes.
A Fairytale Run for the Young Star
Mboko, who entered the tournament as a wildcard, has stunned fans and analysts alike with her fearless play. Her victory over Bouzas Maneiro marks her third consecutive win against higher-ranked opponents, following earlier triumphs over former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin and world No. 45 Caroline Dolehide. "I'm just taking it one match at a time and enjoying every moment," Mboko said in her post-match interview.
Dominant Performance Against Bouzas Maneiro
From the outset, Mboko showcased her aggressive baseline game, dictating play with powerful groundstrokes and precise shot placement. Bouzas Maneiro, ranked No. 82, struggled to handle the Canadian's intensity, committing 28 unforced errors. Mboko's key strengths in the match included:
- Exceptional first-serve accuracy (72%)
- Relentless pressure on Bouzas Maneiro's second serve
- Clinical conversion of break points (4/6)
Bouzas Maneiro admitted post-match, "She played with no fear and didn't give me any rhythm. It's tough to play someone who hits the ball that big and moves so well."
The Road to the Semis
First Round: Defeating a Former Champion
Mboko's journey began with a stunning upset over 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin, winning 7-5, 6-4. The teenager displayed remarkable composure, saving three set points in the opener before closing out the match.
Second Round: Overcoming a Top-50 Opponent
In the second round, Mboko faced world No. 45 Caroline Dolehide, prevailing 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in a grueling two-hour battle. Her ability to rebound after losing the second set impressed commentators, with Tennis Canada analyst Robby Sikka noting, "Her mental toughness is extraordinary for someone so young."
What's Next for Mboko?
The semi-final will pit Mboko against either world No. 4 Elena Rybakina or No. 12 seed Liudmila Samsonova. Regardless of the opponent, Mboko remains focused on her game. "I'm not thinking about rankings or expectations," she said. "I'm just going to go out there and play my best tennis."
Her run has already made history—she is the youngest Canadian to reach the semi-finals of the National Bank Open since Eugenie Bouchard in 2013. With her fearless attitude and powerful game, Mboko has become the tournament's breakout star, drawing comparisons to a young Bianca Andreescu.
A Rising Star in Canadian Tennis
Mboko's success is no accident. The Calgary native has been honing her skills at Tennis Canada's National Training Centre in Montreal under coach Simon Larose. Her rapid rise includes:
- Winning the 2022 Junior Wimbledon doubles title
- Reaching the quarter-finals at the 2023 Australian Open juniors
- A current 12-match winning streak in ITF events
Tennis Canada CEO Michael Downey praised Mboko's development, stating, "Victoria embodies the future of Canadian tennis. Her work ethic, combined with her natural talent, makes her a player to watch for years to come."
Conclusion: A Dream Run Continues
As Mboko prepares for her semi-final clash, Canadian fans are rallying behind their newest tennis hero. Whether she advances further or not, her performance in Montreal has announced her arrival on the big stage. "This is just the beginning," she said with a smile. "I'm learning, growing, and loving every minute of it."