Victoria Mboko’s meteoric rise from tennis obscurity to world No. 24 has captivated experts and fans alike. But it’s not just her Canadian Open victory that has people talking. It’s what legendary coach Patrick Mouratoglou sees in the 18-year-old that has tennis insiders predicting Grand Slam glory.
What Makes Patrick Mouratoglou Believe Victoria Mboko Will Win Grand Slams?
Patrick Mouratoglou, who recently split from coaching Naomi Osaka, didn’t mince words when analyzing Mboko’s potential. The renowned French coach, who previously guided Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka to major success, shared his bold assessment through an Instagram reel that’s generating serious buzz.
“Number 1 asset of Victoria Mboko- She has no respect. It doesn’t mean that she’s disrespectful. It means that she doesn’t look up to players thinking, ‘Wow! I cannot beat that player, I’m not here yet.’ NO! She plays to win whoever is on the other side of the court,” Mouratoglou explained.
That fearless mentality caught Mouratoglou’s attention immediately. He sees something in Mboko that goes beyond raw talent.
“She started the year ranked 300. Difficult to think that she’s not going to win Grand Slams. Great physicality, the way she moves on the court, and she’s very offensive both sides- forehand, backhand, she controls the court, and she has this aura,” the coach continued.
Mouratoglou also highlighted her winning mentality from her challenger circuit days, noting how that foundation built her current success. “The year before, she was playing challengers and she was winning a lot. She goes there to win, and she does. For me, that’s the biggest message she sends, besides all the other qualities she has.”
These insights from Mouratoglou reveal exactly why Mboko has been able to compete at such a high level so quickly. Her fearless approach, combined with her technical abilities, creates a dangerous combination on court.
How Did Victoria Mboko Transform From World No. 333 to No. 24 in One Season?
Mboko’s 2025 campaign started with her ranked No. 333 in the world. What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary, even by professional tennis standards.
Her breakthrough began with an incredible 22-match winning streak to start the year. During this run, she didn’t drop a single set while capturing five ITF titles in her first six tournaments. That dominant stretch launched her into the top 200 for the first time by March.
The French Open marked her Grand Slam debut, where she reached the second round as a qualifier. However, it was her home tournament in Montreal that truly announced her arrival on the global stage.
At the Canadian Open, she defeated four Grand Slam champions on her way to the title: Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and finally Osaka in the final. Each victory built momentum and confidence for the teenager.
That Canadian Open triumph made history in multiple ways. Mboko became the second-youngest player ever to defeat four Grand Slam champions in a single tournament, with only Serena Williams achieving this feat at 17. Her victory also made her the third Canadian to win their home tournament in the Open Era.
Her current season record stands at an impressive 53-9 across all competitions. The jump from No. 333 to No. 24 represents a climb of 309 spots in the rankings, making her the highest-ranked Canadian player on tour. She’ll enter the US Open as a seeded player for the very first time, a milestone that seemed impossible at the start of the year.
AloJapan.com