Canadian tennis prodigy Victoria Mboko is rapidly emerging as one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis. At just 19, she has surged from outside the top 300 to the world’s top 20 this season, highlighted by her victory at the Hong Kong Tennis Open, her second WTA Tour title of 2025. Only elite players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff have won more titles this year.

Resilience and Composure Key to Success

Mboko’s ability to compartmentalize and focus on the future has been crucial to her rapid rise. In Hong Kong, she won three of her five matches after dropping the first set and overcame a 4-1 third-set deficit against Alexandra Eala. Reflecting on her success, she told BBC Sport:

“I’m always someone who is looking ahead. I feel what has passed has passed.”

Earlier this year in Montreal, Mboko stunned the tennis world by defeating four Grand Slam champions – Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Naomi Osaka – to claim a significant title outside the majors. Her path to the trophy also required remarkable comebacks, including saving match point against Rybakina in the semi-finals.

Family Support and Early Life

Family has played an integral role in Mboko’s development. She celebrated her Hong Kong Open victory alongside her father, Cyprien Mboko, who lifted the trophy for the cameras. Cyprien, a retired engineer, and his wife Godee Kitadi emigrated from the politically unstable Democratic Republic of Congo to North America in 1999, eventually settling in Canada with their four children.

Although her parents never played tennis professionally, Cyprien became passionate about the sport after watching stars like Andre Agassi in the 1990s. Victoria credits her father’s unwavering support, often traveling with her to tournaments, as pivotal in her breakout season.

“To see me play at the top level I think makes him happy. When everything is going well and we’re all happy then it is nice times,” Mboko said.

2025 Breakthrough Season

Mboko’s breakthrough season has been remarkable. She began 2025 with 20 consecutive wins, securing four successive titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour before capturing her WTA triumphs. Despite a wrist injury and early losses at several tournaments, including the US Open, Mboko remained composed and methodical, demonstrating her maturity beyond her years.

“I like to keep things really calm and not put expectation on myself. There are so many talented players who you can beat or can beat you on any given day. I always say take things day by day, and I feel I happy I’ve won another title,” she explained.

Her natural first-strike tennis style combined with mental resilience suggests Mboko is set for continued success at the highest levels of women’s tennis.