Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko capped a remarkable week by defeating Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 to win her first WTA title at the Canadian Open on Thursday.
The 18-year-old, playing in her first tour-level final, recovered from a slow start to overpower the four-time Grand Slam champion, who was seeking her first title since the 2021 Australian Open.
Mboko, who began the season ranked outside the top 300 and entered the tournament at No. 85, is now projected to rise to a career-high 34th.
Her run included wins over Grand Slam champions Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina before taking down Osaka in front of a jubilant Montreal crowd.
After dropping the first set, Mboko fought back in a topsy-turvy second, breaking Osaka at love for a 5-2 lead before holding her nerve to level the match.
The Canadian then surged through the decider, winning five straight games as Osaka’s frustration grew.
When Osaka netted a backhand on match point, Mboko fell to the court in celebration as chants of “Allez Vicky” filled the stadium.
“It’s been an incredible week,” Mboko said. “I’ve always looked up to Naomi, so it’s great to play someone I admire so much.”
Osaka, who had shown signs of resurgence in Montreal, praised the crowd but left disappointed after her best WTA 1000 run since Miami 2022.
