Victoria Mboko’s coach reveals why Canadian Open winner withdrew from Cincinnati Open ahead of US Open
Published 10/08/2025 at 21:32 GMT+1
Victoria Mboko’s coach has revealed why the Canadian Open winner withdrew from the Cincinnati Open ahead of this year's US Open. The world No. 24 defeated four former Grand Slam champions on her way to claiming her first WTA Tour singles title. She was set to face world No. 9 Diana Shnaider in the second round of the Cincinnati Open but withdrew ahead of the clash.
‘It feels unbelievable right now’ - Mboko on winning maiden WTA Tour title
Video credit: SNTV
Tennis coach Nathalie Tauziat has revealed that Victoria Mboko’s desire to do "something big" at the 2025 US Open is the reason why she pulled out of this week’s Cincinnati Open.
The world No. 24 caught the attention after battling back to beat Naomi Osaka 2-6 6-4 6-1 in the final of the Canadian Open, claiming her first WTA Tour singles title in the process.
She was set to follow that up by taking on world No. 9 Diana Shnaider in the second round of the Cincinnati Open, but the 18-year-old withdrew from the clash.
Now her coach Tauziat has explained why, and offered a warning to any potential opponents at the upcoming Grand Slam.
"After Roland-Garros, when we defined the schedule up to the US Open, we set some goals," Tauziat told Tennis365.
"Based on the way she’s playing, we know she’s capable of doing something big in New York.
"We want to focus 100% on that tournament, arriving well prepared and injury-free.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/08/08/image-29452203-dd2b-470d-a9d7-ac5ce9b3bd93-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'Super happy, super content' - Mboko reflects on 'insane' triumph in Montreal
Video credit: SNTV
"After Montreal, it was vital to manage the schedule well, which is why we’re not going to Cincinnati."
Despite entering the Canadian Open as a wildcard, Mboko defeated four Grand Slam champions en route to lifting the trophy.
She saved a match point in her semi-final triumph over Elena Rybakina, having also beaten 2025 French Open champion Coco Gauff and 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin in earlier rounds.
Mboko started the year as the world No. 333 but will now be seeded at the US Open when it gets underway on August 24.
The Canadian has only made two previous Grand Slam appearances.
She reached the second round of Wimbledon in 2025, having been eliminated in the third round of the French Open earlier this year.
She became only the second wildcard of the Open era to win the Canadian Open with her victory over Osaka earlier this week.
Watch and stream top tennis action live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement