Victoria Mboko Shines in French Open Debut with First-Round Victory

ROLAND-GARROS, PARIS — Victoria Mboko, an 18-year-old Canadian tennis player, made a splash during her French Open debut by defeating former quarterfinalist Lulu Sun of New Zealand with a score of 6-1, 7-6(4). The match took place on Sunday afternoon, marking an impressive start for Mboko at the prestigious tournament.

Mboko, born in the United States to Congolese parents and raised in Canada, has been building momentum in recent months, capturing attention with her remarkable ascent in women’s tennis. In an interview after her victory, she described her mental preparation, saying, “Kind of just play it down… Pretend like you’re playing somewhere else.” This mindset helps her manage pressure on the court.

With her win against Sun, Mboko set up a second-round match against Eva Lys of Germany. As a product of Canada’s diverse tennis program, she has been part of a trend reflecting the country’s multicultural identity. Bianca Andreescu, a fellow Canadian tennis star, praised Mboko during an interview, highlighting the inclusivity of Tennis Canada.

Mboko is the youngest among four siblings and has been racking up wins in the professional circuit this year. After ending the previous year ranked 350th, she has surged to a record of 41 wins against 5 losses in 2025. Her early season included an impressive 22-match winning streak on the ITF World Tennis Tour.

Coached by Marko Strillic among others, her team is mindful of her workload as she continues to win at a rapid pace. “If she keeps winning, you have to figure out a way to manage the schedule,” Strillic said, acknowledging the need to prevent injuries as she progresses through the competition.

After transitioning back to competitive play this year following recovery from knee injuries, Mboko is focusing on developing her aggressive and athletic playing style. Her performance, characterized by powerful serves and well-placed forehand slices, reflects her dedication to growth as she aims for success in the French Open.

The Mboko family, who moved to Canada from the Democratic Republic of Congo, have supported Victoria through her journey in tennis. Family members, including her father Cyprien and sister Gracia, watched her recent match and celebrated her victory. Gracia noted that even from a young age, they recognized Victoria’s potential and tenacity.

In her victory speech, Mboko acknowledged her determination, saying, “I just thought new year, new me.” She expressed confidence in her abilities on the clay courts of Roland-Garros, where she aspires to reach greater heights, following in the footsteps of accomplished Canadian tennis players.