Victoria Mboko pulled off a fantastic upset at the Qatar Open, beating one of the best, Aryna Sabalenka, to reach the semi-finals.
The 16-year-old is having a dream start to 2024 and her run in Doha is making headlines. She scored victories against Mirra Andreeva, Vera Zvonareva and Marie Bouzková to earn her place in the final eight.
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She has only played three tournaments this year, but has already reached back-to-back quarterfinals, including a trip to the final in Linz. It hasn’t been an easy path either: Rybakina came from behind several times before winning her last title.
In Canada alone, she has raised more than $18 million for underprivileged children. The Canadian Press named him “Male Athlete of the Year” twice and his legacy is set in stone.
Victoria Mboko supported by Rick Macci to become world number one
Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images
Mboko’s form, which includes winning the Canadian Open and the Hong Kong Open, has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike – and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Macci.
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Since entering the top 20 at the beginning of this year, it has continued to gain momentum. Now we’re getting to the point where Macci thinks she could become world number one.
“Mboko has the raw firepower across three big-ticket items that will allow him to become number one,” Mboko said on X, also citing his ability to play between attack and defense as another reason for his confidence in Mboko’s potential.
Serena Williams’ trainer then added: “Add in some big makeup speed to live another day and Vic is here to stay fast.” »
Mboko has scored 27 victories on tour since winning in Canada. This record is only broken by Iga Swiatek and Rybakina during this period.
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Victoria Mboko faces familiar path in Rybakina quarter-final
Mboko’s next match against Rybakina in Qatar will be tough, but there is a bit of history working in her favor.
Their only previous meeting came in the semifinals of the Canadian Open, where Mboko cruised to victory and captured the title.
If she secures another victory against Rybakina, there will be a growing sense that Mboko can qualify for another WTA 1000 final, this time in Doha.
Jelena Ostapenko and Elisabetta Cocciaretto are the next to win this quarter-final. Both would be big underdogs against either player.
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Cocciaretto proved to be a lucky loser, while Ostapenko remains unseeded and is also still active in doubles.
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