Canadian tennis player Victoria Mboko is looking to build on her breakout 2025 season without letting increased pressure and expectations affect her enjoyment of the game. The 19-year-old rose from 333rd to 18th in the world rankings, winning her first WTA titles in Montreal and Hong Kong. Mboko’s rapid ascent earned her the WTA Newcomer of the Year award, but she remains focused on taking things one day at a time.
Speaking while visiting the Sydney zoo with her United Cup Canada teammates, Mboko expressed her desire for a “good, healthy year” with a strong performance at the Australian Open. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm mindset, stating, “I don’t set myself so many goals, but I like to keep things calm in my head.” Mboko’s priorities are clear: she wants to enjoy the sport she loves and have fun playing as much as possible.
Born in the United States to parents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mboko moved to Toronto, Canada, with her family at just two months old. Her meteoric rise in the tennis world has brought her a significant amount of attention, but she is determined not to let it affect her approach to the game. As she prepares for the United Cup 2026, hosted by Tennis Australia, Mboko remains committed to her laid-back attitude, saying, “I just want to enjoy myself as much as possible and have a lot of fun playing the sport I love.”
The United Cup 2026 is set to begin on Friday in Sydney and Perth, featuring top tennis players from around the world. As Mboko takes to the court, she will be looking to build on her impressive 2025 season and continue to make a name for herself in the tennis world. With her focus on enjoying the game and staying calm under pressure, Mboko is well-positioned to make a strong showing in the upcoming tournament. As the tennis season gets underway, fans will be watching to see how Mboko performs and whether she can maintain her rapid ascent in the rankings.