Burly to the Big Stage: Vicky Mboko Wins the National Bank Open

Burlington-raised tennis sensation Vicky Mboko has officially arrived. The 18-year-old Canadian just made history by winning the National Bank Open, becoming only the second Canadian woman in over 50 years to claim the country’s most prestigious tennis title.

Though born in North Carolina, Mboko grew up in the Toronto area and trained in nearby Burlington, where her early talent was spotted and nurtured. She comes from a tennis family—her siblings also played competitively—and she later refined her game at Justine Henin’s academy in Belgium. But it’s this summer in Montreal where everything came together.

Entering the tournament as a wildcard, Mboko quickly proved she was no underdog. She bulldozed through the early rounds, but it was her semifinal against world No. 12 Elena Rybakina that had fans on the edge of their seats. After losing the first set and facing match point in the second, Mboko fought back to win 1–6, 7–5, 7–6(4) in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.

Then came the final—and it couldn’t have been more high-profile. Mboko faced off against former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in front of a packed crowd. The teen didn’t flinch. She held her nerve, outplayed Osaka in key moments, and came away with the title in three sets. Her victory makes her the youngest Canadian since Bianca Andreescu in 2019 to win a WTA title on home soil.

Beyond the trophy, Mboko’s win will have major implications. Her ranking has jumped into the top 25, cementing her place among the world’s elite. But more importantly, her story has inspired a new generation of Canadian athletes. From wildcard to champion, she proved that rankings don’t define you—resilience and heart do.

For Burlington, it’s a proud moment. Mboko’s rise from local courts to international glory is a reminder of what can happen when talent meets hard work. For Canadian tennis, her win signals the beginning of a new era.