Victoria Mboko from Toronto showcased an impressive performance at the National Bank Open in Montreal, securing a spot in the third round after defeating world No. 39 Marie Bouzkova 1-6, 6-3, 6-0 at IGA Stadium. Despite dropping the first set, Mboko rallied back to claim victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Mboko, the lone Canadian remaining in the WTA 1000 main draw, marked her sixth win against a top-50 player and is set to face top-seeded American Coco Gauff in the next round. Gauff, who overcame Veronika Kudermetova in a tough three-set match earlier, anticipates a challenging battle against Mboko, whom she previously bested in a clay court encounter in Rome.
Following an intense first set, Mboko displayed resilience and strategic play in the subsequent sets, emphasizing her improved court movement and focus. Bouzkova, her opponent, faced setbacks and eventually took a medical timeout in the third set due to a thigh injury, allowing Mboko to dominate and secure a 6-0 victory.
In another match at the tournament, Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk made an impressive comeback to defeat Daria Kasatkina, while American Emma Navarro and several other seeded players suffered unexpected losses. The competition at the National Bank Open continues, with exciting matchups ahead.
In a separate event, Canadian tennis player Gabriel Diallo’s rising prominence was evident as he advanced to the singles draw at the Masters 1000 event in Toronto. Diallo, ranked 36th globally, is scheduled to face Taylor Fritz in a highly anticipated match following his recent ATP Tour title win in the Netherlands.
Diallo’s coach, Martin Laurendeau, commended his progress and potential for further growth, noting his powerful serve and versatile playing style. With a supportive home crowd at Centre Court, Diallo is gearing up to showcase his skills against Fritz and aims to capitalize on the energy and courage needed to compete at the highest level.
While other Canadian players faced early exits, Diallo’s impressive journey and determination highlight the evolving landscape of Canadian tennis talent. The tournament continues with thrilling matches and surprises as players strive for success on the court.