Overcoming a Losing Streak: Victoria Mboko's Calm Approach to Success
Victoria Mboko, the rising star of Canadian tennis, has a unique secret to her success: staying calm, even in the face of adversity. This approach helped her go from a multiple-match losing streak to winning her second WTA title, a remarkable achievement that made headlines worldwide.
In late July and early August, Mboko made history by winning the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal as an 85th-ranked home wildcard. Her journey to victory was nothing short of extraordinary, as she upset four Grand Slam champions - Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Naomi Osaka. But her success didn't last long, as she soon hit a rough patch, losing her opening matches at the US Open, Beijing, Wuhan, and Ningbo.
However, Mboko's resilience and calm demeanor shone through in Tokyo, where she reached the quarterfinals and ended her losing streak. And her comeback continued in Hong Kong, where she went a perfect 5-of-5 at the WTA 250 tournament, lifting her second title. She defeated notable names like Leylah Fernandez, Anna Kalinskaya, and Alexandra Eala, solidifying her place as a rising star in the tennis world.
Mboko's Secret: Keeping Things Calm
"I like to keep things really calm and not put expectation on myself," Mboko told BBC Sport. "There are so many talented players who can beat you on any given day. I always say take things day by day, and I'm happy I've won another title."
According to Mboko, her short memory is a key part of her success. "I'm always looking ahead," she said. "I feel what has passed has passed."
Mboko's triumph in Hong Kong earned her a top-20 ranking, a career-high ranking of No. 18 in the world. It's a remarkable rise for the Canadian, who started the 2025 season ranked at No. 333 in the world. Her story is an inspiring reminder that staying calm and focused, even in the face of adversity, can lead to great success.