Canadian Teenager Stuns Osaka to Claim National Bank Open Title

Victoria Mboko achieved a remarkable victory at the National Bank Open, culminating in her hoisting the champion's trophy. In a memorable night for Canadian tennis, the young sensation defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the singles final, securing her first WTA title.

Throughout the 12-day tournament in Montreal, the 18-year-old wildcard player showcased impressive performances, steadily climbing the rankings. Mboko transformed from an unknown wildcard to a prominent figure, captivating audiences across Canada with her resilient matches.

Mboko expressed her disbelief at the sudden success, highlighting the surreal experience of the crowd's support. She becomes the second-youngest player in the Open Era to defeat four Grand Slam champions in a single tournament.

The victory earned Mboko a substantial prize, nearly doubling her career earnings. Her ranking is expected to surge into the top 25, securing her a seed at the U.S. Open. She plans to spend more time with her family and friends. Mboko emphasized her focus on maintaining a close circle of support and avoiding unnecessary pressure.

Mboko's win marks the first Canadian victory in the tournament since 2019, ending a long gap since the last Canadian champion. The final match was a highly anticipated event, with a sold-out stadium showing overwhelming support for the Canadian player.

The final was an unexpected matchup, being the first encounter between Mboko and Osaka. Mboko was only the third wildcard in the Open Era to reach the final at this event.

Osaka, a former World No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, was seeking her first title since 2021. Mboko played with a heavily taped wrist, which she had injured during the semi-final match.

Despite some early challenges, including double faults and an early break by Osaka, Mboko demonstrated her fighting spirit. She lost the first set but rallied back, mirroring her previous match. The second set was filled with dramatic moments, with Mboko playing aggressively and captivating the crowd. Osaka appeared frustrated, while Mboko remained composed.

After a restroom break, Osaka returned to the court. The deciding set began with a series of breaks, but Mboko held serve and took control. She dominated the final set, culminating in a celebratory moment as she fell to the court after the final point.

Osaka offered a brief speech, while Mboko expressed her gratitude to Osaka, her family, coaches, and the enthusiastic crowd. She acknowledged Osaka's influence and thanked the crowd for their incredible support.