Victoria Mboko, the 18-year-old tennis prodigy, is making waves in the sport after her impressive performance at the WTA 1,000 Canadian Open and her debut showing at the French Open. Born in the United States and raised in Canada by parents from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mboko’s journey in tennis reflects a remarkable ascent that is capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
With a convincing win over a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist on the first day of the French Open, she established herself as a player to watch. In her opening match, Mboko showcased her skill by defeating Lulu Sun from New Zealand with a score of 6-1, 7-6(4).
Just three days later, she defeated the rising German player Eva Lys to reach the third round of her first Grand Slam tournament. Although her path ended there with a loss to the 2024 Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, Mboko’s performances signaled her emergence in the competitive world of professional tennis.
To manage the pressure of playing on one of tennis’s biggest stages, she employs a mental strategy: she downplays her situation by pretending she is competing elsewhere. “Kind of just play it down,” Mboko explained in an interview. This tactic helps her enjoy the game more and reduces the pressure of high-stakes matches.
Analysts and fans alike are increasingly recognizing her talent, especially as she builds on her performances on the clay courts in Paris with her strong showing in Montreal. At the Canadian Open, she eliminated celebrated two-time major champion Coco Gauff, propelling her rank into the top 50 on the WTA tour.
Mentors like Bianca Andreescu express pride in Mboko’s achievements and highlight the multicultural tapestry of Canadian tennis that fosters such talent. Andreescu emphasized how Tennis Canada promotes acceptance among players from diverse backgrounds, allowing champions like Mboko to thrive.
The youngest of four siblings, Victoria has been on an impressive winning streak, securing victories more frequently than many in women’s tennis this year. Last year, she finished ranked 350th and faced challenges with knee injuries, which her coaches addressed by emphasizing the need for gradual development in her game.
However, the past year saw a dramatic turnaround as she began the 2024 season with a streak of 22 wins in a row on the ITF World Tennis Tour, progressively moving up the ranks. Her recent successes include reaching finals in WTA 125 events and wins in notable tournaments held in Rome, Georgia, and Italy.
With a record of 49 wins and 9 losses so far this year, the road ahead seems promising as she prepares to take on the likes of 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in Montreal. Maintaining a consistent routine is vital for Mboko, who sticks closely to her pre-match rituals to enhance her performance.
Marko Strillic, one of her coaches from the Canadian Tennis Federation, acknowledges the challenges that come with such rapid success. “If she keeps winning, you have to figure out a way to manage the schedule so that she doesn’t get hurt,” he remarked, stressing the importance of her long-term health in the sport.
Mboko’s focus and determination are evident in both her practice sessions and match preparations. Her older brother, Kevin, recounts how she approaches each match with a clear goal: to win. Even in moments where others advised her to relax and enjoy the experience, Victoria remained steadfast, reiterating that her objective was to succeed.
As the competition heats up, she approaches her matches with a calm demeanor, aided by the support of her family. She credits their presence for keeping her grounded amidst the pressures of professional tennis, stating, “I have just been enjoying the moment. I have been enjoying time with my sister and my brother.”
The journey of the Mboko family is one that embodies resilience and ambition. Having fled the upheaval of the Congo Wars nearly three decades ago, Victoria’s parents sought safety and opportunity in Canada, where they could nurture their children’s potential. Her father Cyprien, a retired engineer, and her mother Godée, an accountant, both played vital roles in supporting Victoria’s tennis career.
In her early days, Victoria displayed a passion for the sport that was evident even at a young age. Her journey began at a local club where she was invited to participate in a tournament. Despite her young age of 9, she exhibited confidence that caught the attention of her family and peers.
Her sister, Gracia, recognized early on that Victoria possessed a unique belief in herself—a characteristic often found in the elite ranks of the sport. Gracia fondly recalls competing against Victoria when she was just a child, noting that even in that setting, Victoria displayed an unmistakable determination to win.
In recent years, knee injuries challenged Victoria’s consistency and performance, but her resolve to succeed remained unshaken. Through extensive training at a prestigious academy in Belgium over the past year, she focused on recovery and skill improvement.
Despite facing a tough year in 2023, filled with setbacks, she maintained an optimistic perspective, entering 2024 with renewed energy. “I just thought new year, new me,” she stated, embracing the belief that she could achieve her potential in tennis.
Her playing style reflects a combination of power and finesse, incorporating aggressive shots and strategic placements. She has drawn inspiration from tennis legends like Serena Williams, whose impact on the sport has shaped her aspirations.
Mboko’s competitive spirit connects her with contemporaries like Coco Gauff, who acknowledged her talent after their match. Gauff remarked on how Mboko’s movement and agility could rival even the best in the sport, demonstrating her potential to continue growing.
After her initial loss to Gauff, Victoria channeled the disappointment into motivation, instilling a desire to push her physical limits and improve her fitness. This resilience underscores a fundamental aspect of her character that she strives to embody during matches.
Feedback from her coaches helps maintain her focus, as they encourage her to remain present in the heat of competition. With 49 wins and counting, Victoria is proving herself a formidable competitor capable of navigating the pressure that comes with professional tennis.
As Victoria Mboko continues to rise through the ranks, her path is a testament to hard work, determination, and the support of a loving family. With her eyes set on future victories, she paves the way to become a prominent figure in the world of tennis, inspiring many along her journey.
image source from：nytimes
