"I have been suffering from recurring dental pain" - Victoria Mboko set to miss Billie Jean King Cup qualifier due to major wisdom teeth surgery

A whole host of tennis players are preparing to represent their country on the biggest stage at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying ties. Canada is set for a blockbuster clash against Kazakhstan, but will be without their number one talent, Victoria Mboko. Not due to injury, but instead because of a dental issue.

The world number nine has already confirmed herself to be the best Canadian player on the planet, taking the reins from Leylah Fernandez after an outstanding 2025 breakout year has been continued into 2026 with some fine performances suiting her current spot in the rankings.

The tie against Kazakhstan will take place from April 10-11 but without the 19-year-old who has had to prioritise a scheduled dental appointment over representing her country. She is having four wisdom teeth removed amid pain being felt, a major surgery and a big procedure. It has been scheduled right after the end of the Sunshine swing and just ahead of the clay swing, a hugely crucial period in the WTA calendar as players look to adapt to the different surfaces ahead of a plethora of WTA 1000 events culminated by Roland Garros.

She confirmed the news to Team Canada that they will have to get the job done without her as they look to qualify for the finals after failing to do so last year. "I have been suffering from recurring dental pain and will need to have all four wisdom teeth extracted in the coming days," she stated.

"Under these circumstances, unfortunately, I will not be able to travel to Kazakhstan and will miss this match. There is no greater privilege than playing for Canada and representing it. I wish the team good luck for next week and look forward to rejoining them later in the year."

She is not the only one missing out on the fixture. Canadian number three Marina Stakusic has been forced out of contention with a back injury. The world number 126 will join both Mboko and Fernandez in not making the trip to Astana. "I am truly disappointed to have to withdraw from the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, but I felt it was the best decision I could make for the team, given that I am not at 100% of my abilities," she commented.

“Representing Team Canada is an honour that I don’t take for granted, and the weeks spent with the team are some of my favourites of the year. I’ll be watching and cheering them on from afar, and I look forward to my next opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf.”

It will be completed in the indoor clay courts at the Beeline Arena in the Kazakhstan capital. The winner will advance to the finals in September, while the losers will have to compete in the November Play-offs. Canada can still boast former Grand Slam champion Bianca Andreescu along with Gabriela Dabrowski, Kayla Cross and Ariana Arseneault. Kazakhstan has also been hampered by the absence of the world number two Elena Rybakina but will still have Yulia Putintseva leading her country into battle.