Fri May 30 09:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

18-year-old Victoria Mboko is making waves at the French Open, securing her first Grand Slam win and advancing to the third round. The Canadian tennis player with Congolese roots has been on a hot streak this year, racking up an impressive 42-5 record. Mboko attributes her success to a mental game of minimizing the pressure and focusing on the present. Her family and coaches are managing her schedule to prevent injury. Her success is inspiring as well as requiring careful handling so she can continue to develop as a player.

**News Article:**

**Teen Sensation Victoria Mboko Shakes Up French Open with Stunning Debut**

**ROLAND-GARROS, PARIS** – Eighteen-year-old Victoria Mboko is the name on everyone’s lips at the French Open after a dazzling debut. The Canadian phenom, born to Congolese parents, has stormed into the third round, notching her first Grand Slam victory in the process.

Mboko’s rise has been meteoric. After finishing last year ranked 350th, she has amassed a remarkable 42-5 record this year, including a 22-match winning streak on the ITF World Tennis Tour. Her mental approach, focusing on minimizing pressure and staying present, has been key to her success.

“Pretend like you’re playing somewhere else, that you’re not at a Grand Slam,” Mboko explained. “That way, I don’t put as much pressure on myself…I let loose and I kind of go for my shots a little bit more.”

Her impressive performance is drawing comparisons to other Canadian tennis stars, including Bianca Andreescu. Andreescu said Tennis Canada really has built this program in the acceptance of everybody, no matter who you are.”

While her family and coaches are thrilled with her progress, they are also mindful of the need to manage her schedule to avoid potential injuries. Mboko’s performance has caught the attention of even the biggest names in the sport. Coco Gauff said of her, “On the movement, I would say she’s up there with me on that,” high praise indeed from one of the best movers in the game. With her aggressive style and newfound confidence on the big stage, Victoria Mboko is a force to be reckoned with at the French Open and beyond.

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