Mboko Secures Hong Kong Open Final Spot with Three-Set Victory Over Fernandez

Victoria Mboko showcased her resilience by defeating fellow Canadian Leylah Fernandez in a thrilling three-set match. This victory secured her a place in the final of the Hong Kong Open tennis tournament.

Match Overview

The semifinal took place on Saturday, where Mboko, hailing from Toronto, triumphed over the Laval, Quebec, native with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. This match marked the first encounter between the two talented Canadians.

Upcoming Final

Mboko will compete against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the final on Sunday. Bucsa advanced to the final after a straight-sets victory over fifth seed Maya Joint from Australia.

Previous Encounters

• Earlier this year, Mboko secured a win over Bucsa, defeating her 6-3, 6-2 in the qualifying round of the Rome tournament.

Match Statistics

In just one hour and 44 minutes, Mboko displayed exceptional improvement throughout the match against Fernandez.

• Mboko faced a challenging start, with Fernandez winning eight of the first nine games.
• In the first set, Fernandez hit 10 winners while Mboko made 14 unforced errors.
• The momentum shifted in the second set when Fernandez took a medical timeout for strapping on her right thigh.
• Mboko capitalized, making 34 of 40 first serves without losing her serve again.

Post-Match Reflections

Reflecting on the match, Mboko acknowledged Fernandez’s strong performance, stating, “She was playing really great, aggressive tennis, which made it hard for me to find my rhythm.”

With newfound confidence, Mboko managed to stay competitive and regain her form, highlighting her ability to adapt and execute under pressure.

Current Standing and Future Opportunities

Having battled through a slump following her first WTA title at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Mboko’s performance in Hong Kong marks a significant comeback. She previously dealt with a wrist injury, resulting in four consecutive losses but rebounded by reaching the quarterfinals of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

Mboko is projected to debut in the WTA top 10 next week, having started the season ranked at No. 333.