Victoria Mboko’s fairytale run to her first WTA title wasn’t just about defeating former Grand Slam champions. In her victory speech at the 2025 Canadian Open, the 18-year-old wildcard made sure everyone knew exactly who made her championship moment possible: Cyprien Mboko and Godee Kitadi, the parents who believed in their daughter’s tennis dreams when she was just getting started.
How Did Victoria Mboko Overcome Naomi Osaka to Win the 2025 Canadian Open?
Mboko, who received a wildcard entry into the main draw of the Montreal WTA 1000 hard court event, faced off against Naomi Osaka in the final. After dropping the first set 2-6, she mounted an impressive comeback, winning the following two sets to secure the title with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.
With this victory, the 18-year-old became only the second wildcard in the Open Era to win the tournament after Monica Seles, who achieved the feat in 1995 by defeating Amanda Coetzer in the final. Mboko’s path to the title included victories over Kimberly Birrell, 23rd seed Sofia Kenin, Marie Bouzková, top seed Coco Gauff, Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro and ninth seed Elena Rybakina.
What Did Victoria Mboko Say About Her Parents After Winning the 2025 Canadian Open?
In her post-match on-court speech, Mboko commended Osaka for playing an “incredible” match and expressed her appreciation to the fans who came out to support her. However, it was her heartfelt tribute to her family that truly captured the moment.
“I also wanna thank Naomi for an incredible match. I have always looked up to her when I was little, so it’s always great to play with such an amazing player like you. And lastly, I want to thank everyone who came to support me today,” Mboko said.
Victoria Mboko after beating Osaka to win 1st WTA 1000 title in Montreal
“I wanna thank Naomi for an incredible match. I’ve always looked up to her when I was really little. It’s great to play with such an amazing player like you” 🥹
pic.twitter.com/Cd0JaYbdod
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 8, 2025
Beyond thanking her opponent, Mboko took a moment to acknowledge her friends, family, and siblings, particularly her parents, Cyprien Mboko and Kitadi. She emphasized that their support was instrumental in her success, giving them direct credit for making her championship possible.
“Noel, Janine, Natalie, all my siblings, Shotti, Marion, and both my parents who are standing right behind me. I wouldn’t have been here if it weren’t for them. And lastly, I want to thank every single one of you who came to support me throughout this whole week. You guys were incredible, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” she added.
What’s Next for Victoria Mboko After Her Canadian Open Victory?
Following the conclusion of her campaign at the 2025 Canadian Open, Mboko is set to compete next at the Cincinnati Open, which began on Aug. 5, 2025, and will continue until Aug. 18, 2025. The matches of the tournament are being played at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
Although unseeded at the WTA 1000 hard court event in Ohio, Mboko will begin her campaign in the second round, having received a performance bye in the first round. She is scheduled to face 14th seed Diana Shnaider in her opening match.
Mboko and Shnaider have never previously met on the WTA Tour, and their second-round clash at the Cincinnati Open will be their first meeting. The winner of this match will advance to the third round, where they will compete against either 22nd seed Magdalena Fręch or Sorana Cîrstea.
