Mboko Achieves Milestone as First Canadian to Reach Semi-Finals Since 2019

MONTREAL: In a compelling match held at Centre Court on Monday, Canadian prodigy Victoria Mboko triumphed over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro with a score of 6-4, 6-2, securing her place in the semi-finals of the Canadian Open.

Mboko displayed an impressive start, sustaining her drive throughout the contest. The player, ranked 85th globally, gained an early advantage by breaking her opponent’s serve in the second set, subsequently claiming six consecutive games. This victory marks her as the first Canadian to enter the Canadian Open semi-finals since 2019.

Upon her victory, the 18-year-old Mboko expressed her eagerness for the semi-final match and conveyed her gratitude to her supporters.

“I am incredibly thrilled to be competing in the semi-final here. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone for their unwavering support. It has been an amazing experience,” Mboko stated.

“Playing in Montreal for the first time has surpassed all expectations, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.”

The Canadian teenager, Mboko, celebrated a significant career milestone by defeating top-seed Coco Gauff on Saturday. Gauff, despite her own disappointment, showed sportsmanship by hugging Mboko at the net.

Mboko, who began the year ranked 333rd globally, is projected to ascend into the top 50 when the updated rankings are released next week.

Mboko is scheduled to compete against Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, on August 7th.

Rybakina secured her semi-final spot after Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk had to withdraw from their quarter-final match due to a wrist injury.

Notably, this upcoming match will be the second encounter between Rybakina and Mboko, with the ninth-seeded Kazakh previously winning their face-off at the Washington Open last month.