• Victoria Mboko wins her first WTA title at the Canadian Open.
• She defeated Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 after a strong comeback.
• Mboko becomes the third wildcard to win a WTA 1000 title in history.

Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko achieved a remarkable feat by winning her first WTA title at the Canadian Open, defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. The 18-year-old displayed commendable resilience, having come from behind after losing the first set, a situation she faced in her previous semi-final match as well. "When I won my first round, I was super happy... I would have never thought that I would have made it to the final, let alone win the tournament," Mboko expressed. The match concluded with a jubilant crowd, as she knelt to celebrate following Osaka’s final error that sealed her victory, according to Reuters, BBC, and Africanews.

Mboko, starting the tournament ranked 85th, is projected to rise to at least 25th in the world rankings after her victory. Throughout her journey in the tournament, she defeated several former Grand Slam champions, including Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina. This victory makes her the only Canadian, alongside Faye Urban and Bianca Andreescu, to win the Canadian Open in the Open Era. "I couldn't be more grateful," she stated post-match, reflecting on her emotional journey. This championship marks a significant return to form for Osaka, who has struggled since her maternity leave. However, she was unable to secure a title in the tournament, which ended her long title drought since the 2021 Australian Open, according to Reuters and Africanews.

In a match characterized by significant tension, a total of 13 service breaks were witnessed, showcasing both players' struggles and adaptability under pressure. Mboko's comeback was particularly highlighted by her performance in the second set, where she eliminated a three-game deficit against Osaka, a victory that solidified her status as a future star in women's tennis. Her consistent growth since starting the year outside the top 300 has captivated audiences, establishing her as a formidable contender on the WTA tour, according to BBC and Africanews.