As Victoria Mboko stepped onto the practice court at Sobeys Stadium, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grounds. The 17-year-old Toronto native adjusted her headband, settled into her stance, and unleashed a forehand that cracked through the humid August air. A small crowd had gathered to watch—larger than usual for a practice session, but Mboko is no longer just another promising junior.
“This feels different,” Mboko told me, taking a water break between drills. “Last year I was just happy to be here. Now I feel like I belong.”
Belonging is perhaps an understatement. After qualifying for her first main draw at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, Mboko has become the unexpected story of the tournament’s opening days. Her straight-sets victory over world number 38 Daria Kasatkina marked the biggest win of her young career and sent the home crowd into a frenzy rarely seen for a first-round match.
“The moment I won match point, I couldn’t even hear myself think,” she recalled, still processing the achievement. “I’ve watched this tournament since I was little. My parents would bring me here, and I’d get autographs from the players. Now kids are asking for mine.”
Born to Congolese parents who immigrated to Canada before she was born, Mboko’s journey through Canadian tennis has been methodical rather than meteoric. She trained at the Ontario Racquet Club in Mississauga before joining Tennis Canada’s National Training Centre in Montreal at 13, developing her game away from the spotlight that often follows junior phenoms.
Tennis Canada coach Nathalie Tauziat, a former Wimbledon finalist who has worked with Mboko for three years, sees something special in her pupil’s mental approach. “Victoria processes disappointment differently than most young players,” Tauziat explained. “She uses it as information, not as a judgment on her worth. That’s rare for someone her age.”
The statistics support Mboko’s breakthrough moment. According to Tennis Canada data, her serve speed has increased by an average of 12 km/h over the past year, while her defensive skills have improved dramatically. In her match against Kasatkina, Mboko won 57% of points lasting more than nine shots—territory typically dominated by more experienced players.
Dr. Penny Werthner, sports psychology consultant who has worked with multiple Canadian Olympians, notes that home-soil success can be a double-edged sword for young athletes. “The energy from a supportive crowd is invaluable, but it comes with expectations,” Werthner said. “What’s impressive about Victoria is how she’s channeling that energy rather than being overwhelmed by it.”
The timing of Mboko’s rise couldn’t be better for Canadian tennis. With Bianca Andreescu battling injuries and Leylah Fernandez experiencing inconsistent results since her 2021 US Open final, Tennis Canada has been searching for the next generation of female talent. Mboko’s emergence, alongside fellow teenagers Marina Stakusic and Mia Kupres, suggests the pipeline remains strong.
Former Canadian number one Aleksandra Wozniak watched Mboko’s victory from the stands and came away impressed. “She has weapons that can’t be taught,” Wozniak observed. “Her timing on the ball is exceptional, and she’s not afraid to change directions mid-rally. Those are instincts you either have or don’t.”
Walking through Sobeys Stadium the day after her victory, Mboko couldn’t take three steps without being stopped for photos or congratulations. Tournament organizers, sensing her marketability, have moved her second-round match against ninth-seeded Liudmila Samsonova to Centre Court during prime evening hours—a slot typically reserved for established stars or Canadians much further along in their careers.
“I’m trying to stay in my routine,” Mboko said, politely excusing herself from yet another selfie request. “My coach reminds me that the process doesn’t change just because more people are watching.”
That process includes a rigorous physical training regimen developed by Tennis Canada’s strength coach André Parent. “Victoria has added significant muscle mass in the past 18 months,” Parent explained. “But more importantly, she’s improved her recovery capacity between points and matches. That’s crucial for sustained success at this level.”
Statistics from the WTA Tour show that Mboko’s physical development is translating to court performance. Her average forehand speed in Toronto has registered at 123 km/h—placing her among the top 20% of players in the main draw. Additionally, her movement metrics show she’s covering more court with less wasted energy than during her junior career.
The economic impact of a homegrown star at Canada’s premier tennis event is substantial. Tournament director Karl Hale noted that ticket sales surged 22% after Mboko’s first-round victory. “We’re seeing many first-time attendees coming specifically to watch Victoria,” Hale said. “Her story resonates—a local girl having success at home.”
Beyond the immediate tournament buzz, Mboko’s rise could have lasting implications for tennis participation across Canada. According to Sport Canada, tennis enrollment among youth typically increases 15-20% following significant Canadian success at major events. After Andreescu’s 2019 US Open victory, tennis program registration in the Greater Toronto Area jumped 27% the following spring.
In the players’ lounge, Mboko attempts to maintain normalcy despite her new status. She scrolls through her phone, exchanges laughs with her hitting partner, and steals occasional glances at the draw sheet on the wall. Tomorrow brings another challenge, another opportunity to extend what has already been a breakthrough tournament.
“I’m trying to stay present,” she said, gathering her racket bag before heading back to her hotel. “My parents always taught me that preparation creates opportunity. I’ve prepared for this moment my whole life—now I just need to enjoy it.”
As the sun set over Sobeys Stadium and crews prepared the courts for another day of competition, Mboko’s name remained prominently displayed on the main scoreboard—a visual reminder that sometimes, tennis stars emerge right where they’re planted.
