In a breakthrough moment that has electrified Canadian sports, 18-year-old Victoria Mboko won her first WTA 1000 title at the National Bank Open in Montreal, stunning four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka with a sensational 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Mboko’s journey to the title was remarkable. Entering the tournament as a wildcard ranked outside the top 80, she first upset top-seeded Coco Gauff, then saved a match point against Elena Rybakina to reach her first WTA final. In the championship match, despite a shaky start and battling wrist discomfort, Mboko showed remarkable composure and resilience, dominating the final set to secure the win.

Her victory is historic, as she became the first Canadian to win the singles title in Montreal and only the third Canadian woman to claim a WTA 1000 event in the Open Era. The win catapulted her to a career-high world ranking inside the top 25, a meteoric rise from outside the top 300 earlier this year.

While Mboko’s fairy-tale run was widely celebrated, Naomi Osaka faced criticism for her subdued on-court speech and limited media engagement after the final, sparking conversations about sportsmanship and professionalism.

Hailing from Toronto, Mboko has quickly become one of Canada’s most promising tennis talents. She expressed deep gratitude to the fans and acknowledged the incredible nature of her accomplishment. Her inspiring story highlights perseverance, skill, and belief, capturing the imagination of a nation and signaling a bright future for Canadian tennis.