Canadian Teenager Mboko Nears Grand Slam Main Draw Debut at Roland-Garros

PARIS, France – Canadian teenager Toni Mboko is one win away from her Grand Slam main draw debut at Roland-Garros. The 18-year-old athlete secured a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory over Kathinka von Deichmann of Liechtenstein on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

This marks Mboko’s first appearance in Grand Slam qualifying, following a strong season where she has remained unbeaten in five ITF finals. Earlier this year, she gained attention at the WTA 1000 event in Miami, where she held match points against world No. 11 Paula Badosa.

In Rome, Mboko qualified for the WTA 1000 event, winning a round and even taking a set against eventual finalist Coco Gauff. As she prepares to face Slovenian Kaja Juvan for a place in the main draw, expectations are rising. “Actually, I don’t feel that at all to be honest,” Mboko said about her rising visibility. “I feel very unknown and I feel very new.”

Despite the lack of attention, fellow competitor Gauff praised Mboko following their match in Rome, noting her potential and athleticism. Gauff emphasized the importance of letting Mboko carve her own path rather than drawing comparisons between them. “Playing against her made me feel a little bit insecure on court,” Mboko reflected. “But it was a great opportunity for me.”

Mboko’s journey began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where her parents emigrated due to political conflicts before her birth. The family moved to Canada for better opportunities in sports. “My dad decided to further our tennis education,” Mboko stated, indicating the importance of their move. She has siblings who also play tennis and has always been competitive.

While yet to visit her parents’ homeland, Mboko hopes to do so soon. “I really want to go at some point,” she said. “It’d be nice to go back to my roots.”

As Mboko aims for her Grand Slam debut, all eyes will be on her upcoming match against Juvan on Saturday. This could be a defining moment in her rising career.