TORONTO — Rising Canadian tennis star Victoria Mboko defied the odds and a painful wrist injury to claim her first professional title at the Canadian Open, just hours after receiving medical treatment in a hospital. The 17-year-old battled through discomfort to defeat top-seeded American Liv Hovde in a thrilling three-set final, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
Mboko, ranked No. 6 in the ITF junior rankings, revealed after the match that she had been struggling with a wrist injury throughout the tournament. "I was in the hospital this morning getting treatment," she admitted in her post-match interview. "I didn’t know if I’d even be able to play, but I told myself to just fight through it. This win means everything."
A Gritty Performance Under Pressure
Despite the pain, Mboko showcased remarkable resilience, particularly in the decisive third set. Her aggressive baseline play and clutch serving kept Hovde, the 2022 Wimbledon girls' champion, on the defensive. The match lasted over two hours, with Mboko saving multiple break points in the final game before sealing the victory with a cross-court winner.
Mboko’s coach, Sylvain Bruneau, praised her mental toughness: "Victoria has always been a fighter, but today was something else. To push through that kind of pain and still play at such a high level—it’s a testament to her character."
The Road to the Title
Mboko’s path to the final was anything but easy. She faced several tough opponents, including a grueling three-set semifinal against France’s Alice Robbe. Key moments from her tournament run included:
- Surviving a second-round tiebreak against No. 3 seed Solana Sierra
- Overcoming fatigue in the quarterfinals with a dominant third-set performance
- Receiving on-court medical treatment during her semifinal match
Her victory makes her the youngest Canadian to win the women’s singles title at the tournament since Bianca Andreescu in 2019. Tennis Canada CEO Michael Downey called it "a defining moment for Canadian tennis."
Injury Concerns and Recovery
The wrist injury had been bothering Mboko for weeks, but she chose to compete in the Canadian Open despite the risk. Medical staff confirmed she suffered from tendon inflammation, requiring anti-inflammatory injections before the final. "We’ll assess the damage after some scans," said her physiotherapist. "For now, rest and recovery are the priority."
What’s Next for Mboko?
With this win, Mboko is expected to break into the WTA’s Top 300 for the first time. She has already received a wildcard into the upcoming National Bank Open, where she could face top-ranked opponents. "I’m just taking it one match at a time," she said. "This gives me confidence that I belong at this level."
A Bright Future Ahead
Mboko’s triumph has drawn comparisons to fellow Canadian Leylah Fernandez, who also broke through as a teenager. Former Grand Slam champion Tracy Austin noted: "She’s got the game, the fight, and the composure. If she stays healthy, she’s going to be a force."
As Mboko celebrated with her family and team, she reflected on the journey: "There were moments I doubted myself, but today proved that hard work pays off. I’m just getting started." With her determination and talent, the tennis world will be watching closely.