Victoria Mboko Roland Garros Qualifying: Rising Star’s Historic Charge | Tennis News 2025
Victoria Mboko Roland Garros Qualifying Charge
Canadian tennis phenom Victoria Mboko is one step closer to making her Grand Slam main draw debut after a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Kathinka Von Deichmann in the Roland Garros 2024 qualifying rounds. The 18-year-old, fresh off a career-best season, now faces former Top 60 player Kaja Juvan for a spot in the Paris main draw. With Coco Gauff’s recent praise still echoing, Mboko’s explosive athleticism and relentless drive have positioned her as one of the most exciting young talents in tennis.
Victoria Mboko’s Commanding Path to Roland Garros
Victoria Mboko’s rise through the Roland Garros 2024 qualifying bracket has been nothing short of spectacular. The World No. 122 dismantled Liechtenstein’s Kathinka Von Deichmann in just 68 minutes, firing 38 winners and converting six of seven break points. This victory extends her 2024 record to an eye-popping 39-5, a stat that includes her recent WTA 125 final in Parma and a three-set thriller against Coco Gauff in Rome.
Key Stats from Mboko vs. Von Deichmann:
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Winners: 38 (vs. Von Deichmann’s 12)
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Break Points Won: 6/7 (86%)
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First-Serve Points: 73%
Kaja Juvan: Mboko’s Final Hurdle
Standing between Mboko and her Grand Slam debut is Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan, a former World No. 58, staging her own comeback after a 12-month injury hiatus. Juvan outlasted Poland’s Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in a grueling 2-hour, 14-minute clash, showcasing her signature aggression with 46 winners.
Juvan’s Resurgence:
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2024 Highlights: Saint-Malo WTA 125 finalist
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Head-to-Head: First meeting with Mboko
Roland Garros Qualifying Roundup: Starodubtseva, Mikulskyte Make History
While Mboko’s story captivates fans, other players are scripting their own milestones:
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Yuliia Starodubtseva (UKR): The top seed became the first player in the Open Era to qualify for all four Grand Slams in a calendar year. Her 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over Tamara Zidansek extended her Grand Slam qualifying streak to 14 matches.
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Justina Mikulskyte (LTU): The 29-year-old became Lithuania’s first player to reach a Grand Slam final qualifying round. She’ll face Argentina’s Maria Lourdes Carle for a main draw spot.
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Tereza Valentova (CZE): The 2023 junior champion stunned No. 2 seed Dalma Galfi 6-4, 6-1, proving her readiness for the senior stage.
Coco Gauff’s Praise: Fueling Mboko’s Ascent
After their Rome clash, World No. 2 Coco Gauff lauded Mboko’s athleticism: “She’s already one of the best athletes on tour. I felt like I was playing myself out there.” Mboko, humbled by the praise, admitted the match exposed areas to improve, but solidified her self-belief.
Mboko’s Reaction:
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“Playing Coco showed me what’s possible. I’m hungry to keep proving myself.”
From Congo to Canada: Mboko’s Roots
Born in North Carolina to Congolese parents, Mboko’s family relocated to Canada for better tennis opportunities. Though she hasn’t yet visited the DRC, she hopes to connect with her heritage soon.
Family Influence:
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Sibling Rivalry: Trained with older sister Gracia (10 years her senior).
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Parental Sacrifice: Father prioritized tennis education by moving to Calgary.
Roland Garros Qualifying: Five Players Secure Main Draw Spots
Amid delays from rain-soaked Day 2, five players clinched main draw berths on Day 3:
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Nao Hibino (JPN): Saved match points in back-to-back matches.
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Tamara Korpatsch (GER): Riding a 7-match win streak.
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Carole Monnet (FRA): Delighted home fans with a straight-sets win.
For full results, visit the official Roland Garros website.
FAQs: Victoria Mboko Roland Garros Qualifying
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How old is Victoria Mboko?
Mboko is 18 years old (born 2006). -
Who will Mboko face in the final qualifying round?
She plays Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan, a former Top 60 player. -
Has Mboko played a Grand Slam main draw before?
No—this is her first attempt at Grand Slam qualifying. -
What did Coco Gauff say about Mboko?
Gauff called her “one of the best athletes on tour” after their Rome match. -
What is Mboko’s 2024 win-loss record?
39-5 across all levels, including ITF and WTA events. -
Who are the other notable Roland Garros qualifiers?
Yuliia Starodubtseva (UKR) and Justina Mikulskyte (LTU) made history. -
What’s Mboko’s career-high ranking?
No. 122 (as of May 2024). -
Has Juvan won any WTA titles?
Not yet, but she reached the 2024 Saint-Malo WTA 125 final. -
How many Grand Slams has Starodubtseva qualified for in 2024?
All four of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. -
Where can I follow Mboko’s matches?
Updates are available on the WTA Tour Twitter.
Conclusion: A Star in the Making
Victoria Mboko’s Roland Garros qualifying campaign isn’t just about securing a main draw spot—it’s a statement. With raw power, tactical maturity, and Gauff’s endorsement, she’s poised to become Canada’s next tennis icon. Whether she triumphs over Juvan or not, her 2024 season has already cemented her as a name to watch.