Victoria Mboko is still just 18, still rather new to the top level of professional tennis, and yet with a big serve, a terrific backhand and enviable court coverage, the Canadian is making the most of her first season on tour, including a victory in her Grand Slam debut on Sunday at the French Open .
When it was mentioned that her 6-1, 7-6 4 elimination of 2024 Wimbledon quarterfinalist Lulu Sun meant Mboko has claimed all eight sets she's played over the past week-plus on the red clay at Roland-Garros - including six in a trio of triumphs in the qualifying rounds - the teen laughed, revealing the braces on her teeth.
"This does, obviously, feel really quick for me. Although it feels quick, I feel like I'm also adapting very quickly. I want to be in this level," said Mboko, represented by talent agency IMG since the age of 12. "To adapt really fast is really important to me. The more I feel like I make it seem normal to me, the more normal it's going to be in these tournaments."
Against the left-handed Sun, Mboko's serve - which she considers her game's greatest strength - played a significant role in the outcome.
With her father and two of her older siblings in the stands at Court 9, a short walk from Court Suzanne-Lenglen, Mboko reached a top speed of 115 mph and delivered seven aces. She won all 10 of her service games, saving all seven break points accumulated by Sun.