Mboko Dominates Doha, Cracks Elite Ten
The tennis world just witnessed the arrival of its next superstar as Victoria Mboko has officially rocketed into the WTA Top 10, marking a seismic shift in the women's game and igniting a new era for Canadian tennis. Her journey from a hopeful talent to an elite contender has been nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a historic achievement.
Key Milestones
- Victoria Mboko secures a spot in the WTA Top 10 for the first time.
- Achieved this milestone by defeating Jelena Ostapenko in the Doha WTA 1000 semifinal.
- Becomes only the fourth Canadian woman in history to reach this elite ranking.
- Her meteoric rise saw her climb from No. 333 to Top 10 in just over a year.
Victoria Mboko delivered a performance brimming with confidence and power in the Doha WTA 1000 semifinal. She dispatched former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory on Friday, punching her ticket to the final and, more significantly, into the coveted WTA Top 10.
This triumph will see her ranking soar from No. 13 to at least No. 10 when the new rankings are released on Monday. Should she claim the title, her ascent could continue even further, solidifying her place among the very best.
“It’s kind of crazy. I never expected something to happen so fast for me,” Mboko shared after the match, reflecting on her rapid progress. “I’ve just been taking it day by day, tournament by tournament. This came relatively fast, but it’s a nice feeling. It’s nice to have that milestone, to see that number. So yeah, I’m pretty happy with that.”
A Historic Moment for Canadian Tennis
Mboko's entry into the WTA Top 10 is not just a personal triumph; it's a landmark event for Canadian tennis. She now stands as only the fourth Canadian woman in the history of the WTA rankings, which began in 1975, to reach this elite status.
Canadians to Reach WTA Top 10 (since 1975):
- Carling Bassett-Seguso (Top 10 debut in 1985, career-high No. 8)
- Eugenie Bouchard (Top 10 debut in 2014, career-high No. 5)
- Bianca Andreescu (Top 10 debut in 2019, career-high No. 4)
- Victoria Mboko (Top 10 debut now, career-high TBD)
This achievement places her alongside illustrious male counterparts as well, with Milos Raonic, Denis Shapovalov, and Felix Auger-Aliassime having previously broken into the ATP Top 10. At 19 years old, Mboko also becomes the third-youngest Canadian to achieve a Top 10 ranking across both tours, a testament to her prodigious talent and early impact.
The Unstoppable Ascent: From Obscurity to Stardom
Mboko's journey to the Top 10 is a thrilling narrative of relentless improvement. Just a year ago, she was ranked No. 211, and at the start of 2025, she stood at No. 333. Her progress since then has been nothing short of astonishing.
She shattered the Top 200 barrier last March, then charged into the Top 100 by June. A sensational run at the WTA 1000 event in Montreal last August, where she captured her first WTA title, propelled her from No. 85 to a stunning No. 24.
Her momentum continued, securing her second WTA title in Hong Kong last November and breaking into the Top 20. Now, after yet another dominant performance at a WTA 1000 final in Doha, the Top 10 awaits. This rapid rise underscores her incredible potential and formidable competitive spirit.
The Doha Final: A Chance for Even More Glory
With a Top 10 spot secured, Victoria Mboko now faces the ultimate test in the Doha final on Saturday. She will square off against either former Top 10 player Karolina Muchova or Maria Sakkari, who competed in the second semifinal.
This final is not just about a trophy; it's an opportunity for Mboko to stamp her authority further on the WTA Tour and potentially climb even higher in the rankings. All eyes will be on the young Canadian as she looks to cap off an unforgettable week.
