“She is 18”: Rennae Stubbs asks fans to do one thing for Victoria Mboko after incredible triumph in Montreal

Canada’s Victoria Mboko has proven to be a breakout star in the tennis world over the last six months. The 18-year-old was playing in an ITF event not so long ago, but is now on the verge of competing in the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open, as one of the seeded players. The mega-event will officially start on August 24 and will feature all the top players from all over the world.

Mboko’s recent form is the primary reason why she is in such a strong position. Mboko had an incredible journey at the recently concluded Canadian Open, where she lifted the title after beating the former world number one, Japan’s Naomi Osaka, in the final with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. On her way to a WTA 1000 title in Montreal, Mboko defeated four Grand Slam winners, including Osaka. In the round of 64, Mboko defeated the former Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-3.

In the round of 16, Mboko got the better of the reigning French Open champion and the top-seeded America Coco Gauff in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4. In the semifinals, Mboko came back from a set down and saved match points before eventually coming out on top against the former Wimbledon champion, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, with a score of 1-6, 7-6, 7-5. Those victories pushed Mboko to the 24th spot in the updated WTA rankings.

Former world number one Serena Williams’ ex-coach Renne Stubbs, in her podcast, urged the fans to support Mboko after her recent WTA 1000 event triumph. Stubbs was of the opinion that Mboko has the ability to entertain the fans for a long time, week in, week out, but all she needs is a bit of support. “Give her some grace,” said Stubbs. “She is 18 – just like Andreeva – just like all these young players. She is not going to light the world on fire every week, so make sure we support them through that and she is only going to get better.”

After winning her first major title at the highest level, Mboko decided to withdraw from the ongoing Cincinnati Open. The 18-year-old suffered a wrist injury in the semifinals and had to go for an X-ray on the morning of the final, which she also confirmed while talking to the media after lifting the title. "I can't find the words to describe this day. It was very eventful,” said Mboko. “When I woke up this morning, my wrist was a bit swollen because of my fall yesterday. We quickly went to the hospital to get an MRI and an X-ray before I came to practice on the court. Once we got the green light that my wrist wasn't anything serious, I came here, practiced quickly, and got ready for my match.”

Stubbs also went on to discuss the development and stated that she was glad that the youngster did not feature at the Cincinnati Open. Stubbs further highlighted that in her opinion, Mboko will be a ‘really tough’ opponent to beat at the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year. “I am so glad she didn’t play this week in Cincinnati,” she said. “Because she had an issue with her hand or wrist when she fell against Rybakina but I’m so glad she did not play. Do the press, which she did, she was on Good Morning America and everything. Get going and get your head back for the US Open. She is going to be really tough to beat there, with her serving and her big shots.”