Victoria Mboko’s Rise in Tennis
Victoria Mboko‘s impressive performance this season highlights just how far the young Canadian star has come in her tennis career. A noteworthy connection in her journey can be traced back to none other than fellow Canadian Bianca Andreescu, who played a significant role in supporting Mboko’s development early on.
2025 Canadian Open Victory
At just 18 years old, Mboko captivated her local fans by securing victory at the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal. Her win garnered such excitement among spectators at the ATP finals in Toronto that they momentarily paused the match to celebrate her achievement. This triumph calls to mind Andreescu’s own meteoric rise at a similar age; in 2019, she became the first Canadian to win the Indian Wells Open and later the Canadian Open before claiming the US Open title, famously defeating Serena Williams in the final.
Challenges Faced by Andreescu
However, Andreescu’s journey has been marred by issues related to form and injuries. Most recently, she had to withdraw from the Montreal tournament despite coming off a first-round win over Barbora Krejcikova.
Andreescu’s Philanthropy and Support
Despite these challenges, Andreescu remains a beloved figure within the sport. Her kindness and dedication to mentoring young players were apparent in a social media post from December 2021, where she encouraged fans to donate to the Tennis Canada initiative “Where I’m Raised,” aimed at nurturing the next generation of Canadian tennis talent. The heartfelt tweet included a nostalgic photo of a young Mboko alongside Andreescu, underscoring their connection.
In her message, Andreescu promised to match donations made to the initiative, stating, “Join me and young Canadian superstar Victoria Mboko by donating to Tennis Canada’s Where I’m Raised campaign. I’ll be matching donations until the end of the month to help raise Canada’s next tennis champions through youth programming and initiatives. Please donate today.”
Support from Tennis Canada
While some players on the ATP and WTA Tours have voiced their frustration regarding the lack of support from their national federations, Mboko differs in her experience, crediting Tennis Canada for playing a crucial role in her growth. Andreescu’s philanthropy and willingness to assist emerging talents like Mboko come as no surprise, given her previous endorsements of the budding star, particularly after Mboko’s triumph in Montreal.
Influences and Relationships in Tennis
Though Naomi Osaka is often cited as an idol for Mboko, who expressed disappointment when Osaka failed to mention her following the Canadian Open final, it is clear that Andreescu’s influence has also been significant.
Andreescu, reflecting on her own experiences of coldness from peers when she made her mark, is determined to create a more welcoming environment for newcomers. This was echoed by fellow player Andreeva, who praised Andreescu’s warmth and support during her own rise in 2023.
The current generation of women’s tennis players appears to share a stronger sense of camaraderie than their predecessors. For example, friendships have blossomed among rivals like Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa, as well as doubles partners Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Despite the tension following Sabalenka’s comments about Gauff after the French Open, they have since repaired their relationship, even sharing a lighthearted TikTok during the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, highlighting an evolving dynamic among today’s athletes.
