Victoria Mboko Sets Her Sights on the US Open
Eighteen-year-old Victoria Mboko is setting her sights on replicating the extraordinary achievements of Bianca Andreescu and Emma Raducanu in the upcoming US Open. Following an impressive victory at the Canadian Open in Montreal as a wild card entry—her first major title—Mboko has not only captured a significant trophy but also climbed into the Top 25 of the WTA rankings.
Confidence and Challenges Ahead
Entering the US Open as one of the seeded players and riding a wave of confidence with a seven-match winning streak, Mboko is recognized as one of the contenders for the prestigious title. Yet, her opening match will pose a significant challenge against Barbora Krejcikova, a seasoned player and two-time Grand Slam champion. Despite this daunting draw, Mboko remains undaunted, eager to seize the moment.
Inspired by Predecessors
Inspired by the remarkable journeys of her predecessors, Andreescu, who triumphed at the US Open in 2019, and Raducanu, who achieved a stunning victory in 2021 as a qualifier, Mboko recognizes the potential to make history as a young athlete. Both Andreescu and Raducanu entered their respective tournaments as underdogs and emerged victorious, proving that with determination, anything is achievable.
“I feel like they kind of proved that you can do anything you put your mind to. They were both the underdogs coming into the Grand Slam, which shows that the trophy is attainable by anyone,” said Mboko.
With the spotlight now on her, she has experienced a rapid rise to fame akin to that of Andreescu and Raducanu, transitioning from a lesser-known talent to an international figure in just a short time.
Embracing New Experiences
Since her triumph in Montreal, Mboko has engaged in numerous interviews, a new experience for her, which she has surprisingly embraced.
“Everything has happened super quickly. After Montreal I did a lot of talks and a lot of interviews—something I’m not as accustomed to—but I enjoy it. I love meeting new people and gaining new experiences. That’s part of the journey!” she shared.
While acknowledging the rapid changes in her life, Mboko remains focused on her aspirations, looking forward to the exciting challenges the future holds.
“Looking back at it, it was really cool to experience, but it’s also in the past. There are so many more things to come that I really look forward to, and that brings me joy,” she concluded.
