Victoria Mboko is through to her first WTA 1000 semi-final after defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
The 18-year-old prodigious star has stunned fans and peers during her time in Montreal, defeating the likes of Coco Gauff on her way to the last four.
Mboko is only 18 years old, yet she has demonstrated maturity beyond her years at the Canadian Open. She will now have the opportunity to play in her first WTA 1000 final, if she can defeat the 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
The 18-year-old has showcased various on-court strengths during the Canadian Open; most prominently, her gigantic serve, which has allowed her to pick up plenty of cheap points and ease pressure when required.
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Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim, speaking on the Tennis Channel Live Podcast, has highlighted another strong aspect of Mboko’s game.
Jon Wertheim is impressed by how complete Victoria Mboko is as a player
Jon Wertheim is a tennis journalist and personality who undertakes various roles within the media sphere.
He is a regular host on the Tennis Channel, while also co-hosting ‘Served with Andy Roddick.’
Wertheim, who was speaking on the Tennis Channel Live Podcast, said he has been impressed by Victoria Mboko’s broad range of skills.
Wertheim said: “I think one thing that’s been really impressive to me, this is not necessarily a power slugger who’s just, you know, belting everyone off the court. But she’s had fewer than 10 winners in her last two matches.
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“They’ve both been wins because she’s just so focused and disciplined and defensive, and this is just a really complete player though she’s not even 19 years old yet.”
Mboko will have the chance to demonstrate her innate talent against Rybakina. If she comes through that contest, the Canadian would face either Clara Tauson or four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
Victoria Mboko makes Canadian Open history
Victoria Mboko was not viewed as a contender for the title heading into the Canadian Open. After all, she is ranked 85 in the world and was given a wildcard entry into the main draw.
However, her results this week have put the world on notice.
As per OptaAce, Victoria Mboko is the third wildcard to reach the semi-finals at the Canadian Open in the Open Era after Monica Seles in 1995 and Simona Halep in 2015.
Mboko could make further history on Wednesday. She is due to face Elena Rybakina in the Canadian Open semi-finals at 11 pm GMT.