Victoria Mboko, a Canadian tennis sensation, has taken another huge step towards superstardom after defeating Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina in the 2026 Qatar TotalEnergies Open. The 19-year-old stamped her ticket to the semifinals with a tenacious 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 victory that not only broke Rybakina’s nine-match winning run but also put Mboko on the verge of earning her WTA Top 10 debut, one of the most significant milestones of her young career.

A Breakthrough Match in Doha

Mboko’s quarterfinal against Rybakina, which took place in Doha, Qatar, was one of the tournament’s most high-stakes and anticipated events. The reigning Australian Open winner and world No. 3 entered the contest with a lot of enthusiasm, looking to capitalise on her recent Grand Slam triumph. However, Mboko had different plans.

After splitting the first two games, the young Canadian faced a critical moment in the final set, behind 2-4 before staging an incredible comeback. Mboko rebounded to win four straight games, using a combination of powerful groundstrokes, precise serves, and unwavering composure – a run that eventually brought her to victory. 

The result marked not only Mboko’s second career victory over Rybakina in four meetings, but also her second Top-10 win of the 2026 season, emphasizing just how much her game has taken off in recent months. 

From Outside the Top 300 to WTA Elite

Mboko’s climb in the rankings has been nothing short of spectacular. She entered the 2025 season outside the WTA Top 300, a relatively low ranking for a professional on tour. Since then, however, she has transformed herself into a genuine contender, rising to No. 13 after her Doha victory — and now poised to break into the Top 10 for the first time in her career when the new rankings are published next week. 

That rise in the rankings represents not just one good week, but a long period of progress and performance. In addition to her Doha race, Mboko had a breakout 2025 season marked by milestone triumphs and important titles. She became the youngest Canadian woman to win a WTA 1000 event at the Canadian Open in Montreal, defeating four past major champions on route to the title – a feat previously accomplished by Serena Williams in her famous career.

Her win in Montreal was followed by another WTA title at the 2025 Hong Kong Open, as well as a string of consistent results that steadily increased her ranking and confidence. These performances have contributed to a narrative of rapid development and increased expectations. 

The Significance of the Qatar Victory

Mboko’s Doha victory over Rybakina is significant for various reasons. First, it halted the Kazakh star’s nine-match winning streak and prevented her from building further momentum after a Grand Slam title. Second, it demonstrates Mboko’s ability to lift her game against elite competition, which is a must for any player hoping to reach the sport’s pinnacle. Third, by capping off her Doha run, Mboko has cemented her status as one of the future generation’s most promising athletes.

The teenager herself acknowledged the difficulty ahead, stating that she anticipated the match would be difficult and focused on bringing her “A game” against a past Grand Slam champion – a strategy that certainly paid off. 

Next Up: Semifinals and a Top-10 Debut Opportunity

With her Doha semifinal against former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko, Mboko has a clear shot at not only another spectacular result, but also a concrete milestone: officially joining the WTA Top 10 rankings for the first time. If she wins against Ostapenko, she will seal her spot among the tour’s top and make history for Canadian tennis.

Aside from the rankings consequences, Mboko’s success in Doha solidifies her emerging reputation as a player to watch. Her ability to compete with and defeat top-ranked players implies that she is more than just a rising star; she is a force to be reckoned with. 

Looking Ahead

The tennis world is keeping a close eye on Mboko as she continues to rise. From her breakout WTA title runs to this key Doha moment, she has shown far more talent and resilience than her age suggests. If she continues on this path, she will soon be trailing only the sport’s elite.

Reaching the Top 10 would be more than simply a personal achievement for Mboko; it would mark the advent of a new contender in women’s tennis, one with the ability to change the WTA Tour landscape for years to come.