2025 Canadian Open Semi-Final Showdown
In a gripping semi-final showdown at the 2025 Canadian Open, Elena Rybakina faced a fierce challenge not just from her opponent but also from a spirited home crowd in Montreal. The match spanned an intense two hours and 46 minutes, culminating in a dramatic third-set tiebreaker where Rybakina, despite holding a match point, fell short with a final score of 6-1, 5-7, 6-7(4). Her adversary, the 18-year-old Victoria Mboko, a rising Canadian star, gathered significant local support, with enthusiasts even choosing to watch her match over men’s matches happening nearby.
Challenges Faced by Rybakina
From the onset, Rybakina sensed the difficulty of competing against both Mboko and the electrifying crowd atmosphere. As the game progressed and tension mounted, the support for the young Canadian sometimes veered into disrespectful territory, particularly when Rybakina made errors, including on her first serve. In her post-match comments, Rybakina acknowledged the crowd’s fervor, but firmly stated that it did not sway her performance:
“Yeah, that wasn’t nice, of course. I played in a lot of situations where the crowd was supporting the player, but I would say that here it was pretty tough from very beginning. I already felt it from the first game we played, especially when it’s in between the serves, but I expected that.”
Rybakina’s Reflection on the Match
Rybakina highlighted that the outcome of the match was independent of the crowd’s influence, indicating that her serve and decision-making were the crucial factors in her near-defeat. Despite the challenging circumstances, she was commendatory of Mboko’s skills, particularly her ability to serve effectively under pressure. Rybakina analyzed:
“I think that she served really well in these important moments. For my side, I was going with the second serve, which doesn’t give me much confidence in rallies since I like to dictate the play.”
The match showcased Mboko’s impressive ascent in tennis, attracting attention as she claimed her place as a finalist in a WTA 1000 event—a significant feat for a player who was relatively unknown to many just a year ago. Reflecting on the encounter, Rybakina noted:
“Overall, I think it was a very close match, like a big fight. It could go either way, but it went hers. I think she played really well.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Rybakina plans to continue her pursuit of success in the sport as she transitions to the Cincinnati Open, the last WTA 1000 event before the US Open. As the ninth seed, she has a first-round bye and will enter the second round, where she faces the winner of the matchup between Renata Zarazua and Yulia Putintseva. With determination undeterred by her recent loss, Rybakina aims to reclaim her momentum on the tour.
