‘I’m always looking ahead’ – Mboko eyes bright future

One of Victoria Mboko’s ascent’s defining characteristics is the ability to compartmentalise.

After winning her second WTA Tour title of the year, the 19-year-old Canadian rose from the bottom 300 to the top 20, underlining why she is regarded as one of the best female prospects.

She overturned a 4-1 third-set deficit against Alexandra Eala and won three of her five matches to win the Hong Kong Open.

“I’m a person who always has a vision.” Mboko told BBC Sport, “I believe what has already passed has.”

When Mboko stunned the tour by winning the Montreal title in August, it was a similar tale of reset and rise.

She won one of the most significant titles outside of the four majors against four Grand Slam winners, Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Naomi Osaka, at the age of 18.

In the semi-finals, she faced 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina three times from a set down and fought back three times.

It was obvious that Mboko had already decided to concentrate on the future after being mobbed by young fans at Flushing Meadows, according to a statement made by the broadcaster at the US Open.

That hasn’t always been the case.

A 6-0, 6-0 defeat to her older sister Gracia at a junior tournament was a long-lasting wound that her siblings still use to rib her.

Mboko’s life depends heavily on his family. She gave her father Cyprien a warm embrace as he lifted the trophy for the cameras as she won her second WTA title.

In 1999, Cyprien and his wife Godee Kitadi moved to North America after leaving their homes in the politically unstable Democratic Republic of Congo.

The couple’s four children were born in Canada, but they initially resided in the United States.

After watching television shows starring stars from the 1990s like Andre Agassi, Mboko’s father was obsessed. Despite her parents’ lack of tennis skills, she never played tennis.

Mboko, who is hoping to make her first trip to DR Congo soon, said, “A lot of their life revolved around tennis.”

“My dad always made sure he was watching my drills. He used to work night shifts to pick up me in the morning.

They have always encouraged me to pursue my passions.

Mboko emphasized how significant her father’s “emotional support” was during her breakout season.

Mboko said, “I’ve always been very appreciative that he can travel and accompany me at these tournaments.

Mboko’s season couldn’t have gone much better.

She won her first 20 matches in 2025 and won four ITF World Tennis Tour titles in a row by the natural talent of first-strike tennis.

Before Montreal’s seismic success, confidence grew, but Mboko struggled as a result of a persistent wrist injury.

She did not win until two and a half months later in Tokyo after losing her first match at her next four matches, including the US Open.

No panic occurred. Despite her soft-spoken and unassuming off-court demeanor, Mboko remained confident in changing her course.

She said, “I get that there is a little pressure on you to win again after a tournament.”

I prefer to remain completely at ease and do not have high expectations.

You can beat or can beat you on any given day because there are so many talented players.