Victoria Mboko Sets Up Final Clash with Osaka After Shocking Rybakina Fightback

Teen sensation Victoria Mboko continued her fairytale run at the Canadian Open, producing a dramatic comeback to defeat former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and secure a place in her first WTA 1000 final, Sport360NG reports.

The 18-year-old wildcard, currently ranked 85th in the world, clawed back from a set down and saved a match point to claim a thrilling 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) win in Montreal.

Mboko, buoyed by a home crowd, credited the fans for their unwavering support: “I had everyone supporting me and pushing me through,” she said. “Without you guys, I don’t think I would’ve been able to pull this through.”

Her incredible run to the final has already included victories over top names like Coco Gauff and Sofia Kenin. With her latest triumph, the young Canadian is set to break into the world’s top 50 when the rankings update next week.

Just months ago, Mboko began the year outside the top 300, ranked 333rd, but made headlines with a 22-match winning streak to start the season. She’ll now face former world number one Naomi Osaka in Thursday’s final, a formidable opponent who stands between Mboko and a landmark title on home soil.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, booked her spot in the final after dispatching 16th seed Clara Tauson 6-2, 7-6 (9-7) in the other semifinal.

Khachanov Shocks Zverev to Reach Final in Toronto

In the men’s draw, Karen Khachanov pulled off a major upset in Toronto, edging past Alexander Zverev in a tense three-set battle.

The Russian 11th seed saved a match point before overcoming the three-time Grand Slam finalist 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) to earn his place in the final.

“I had to dig deep and lift my level,” Khachanov said. “It was very demanding mentally and physically. If that match point went the other way, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Khachanov will take on fellow finalist Ben Shelton, who dispatched second seed Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American semifinal.