Victoria Mboko, the new star of Canadian tennis, defeats Naomi Osaka and wins the National Bank Open

Canadian sensation of Congolese origin, Victoria Mboko, just 18 years old, wrote a new page in tennis history this Friday evening. In a thrilling match, she overturned four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in three sets (2-6, 6-4, 6-1) to claim the National Bank Open title, formerly the Rogers Cup, in Montreal.

Facing a crowd entirely on her side, Mboko showed impressive composure after a difficult first set. Carried by the energy of the public and growing confidence, she gradually took control of the match, dictating the pace and multiplying winning shots.

“It’s a dream come true,” the young champion declared after her victory. “I grew up watching Naomi play, and to beat her today, here, in front of my family and friends, is indescribable,” she exclaimed.

This triumph not only marks her first major title on the WTA circuit but also propels Victoria Mboko among the seeded players for the US Open 2025, which will begin at the end of August. A meteoric rise for someone who, just a year ago, was considered a great prospect, and who is now seen as a serious contender for the biggest titles.

For Naomi Osaka, an unfortunate but smiling finalist, the match was an opportunity to salute the young Canadian's talent: “Victoria was incredible today. She completely deserves this victory, and I’m sure we’ll see her shine for a long time to come.”

The National Bank Open 2025 will go down in history as the tournament where the Montreal public witnessed the emergence of a new global tennis star.

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