Victoria Mboko Advances to Third Round at French Open

PARIS, France — Victoria Mboko, an 18-year-old tennis player born in the U.S. and raised in Canada, made a significant impact on her Grand Slam debut at the French Open by defeating New Zealand’s Lulu Sun 6-1, 7-6(4) on May 28, 2025. Following that victory, Mboko continued her impressive performance by knocking out rising German player Eva Lys with a score of 6-4, 6-4, moving her into the third round.

Mboko has become a name to watch in women’s tennis, showcasing her talent and determination on the international stage. In an interview after her victory over Sun, she shared her approach to handling the pressure of competing in such a prestigious tournament. ‘Kind of just play it down,’ she said, explaining she pretends she is playing at a regular tournament rather than a Grand Slam.

The Canadian teen has impressed everyone with her skill on the court, which has helped foster a growing fanbase. Bianca Andreescu, a Canadian tennis star, has taken on a mentor role for Mboko, accentuating the inclusivity nurtured by Tennis Canada. ‘We know Canada is a very multicultural country and we are very accepting of everyone,’ Andreescu stated.

Despite grappling with knee injuries in the past, Mboko entered the year with renewed focus and determination. Her success began on the ITF World Tennis Tour, where she won 22 straight matches. Her current record stands at 42 wins and five losses for the year. ‘If she keeps winning, you have to figure out a way to manage the schedule so that she doesn’t get hurt,’ said Marko Strillic, one of her coaches.

Mboko’s family, especially her older siblings, has supported her journey. Her brother Kevin emphasized her competitive spirit, recalling her determination before matches. ‘She looked at us and said, ‘I got to win today,” he shared.

Looking ahead, Mboko remains grounded, attributing her calm demeanor to her family’s support. ‘I have just been enjoying the moment,’ she expressed. As she continues to prove herself on the court, many wonder if she will join the ranks of Canadian tennis greats like Andreescu and Denis Shapovalov.