By Sunny Canto- Abuja
Astonishing moments in recent sporting showpiece as Canadian born-Victoria Mboko completed a dream run by winning the National Bank Open title in Montreal, battling a wrist injury and coming back from a set down to beat former World number seed; Naomi Osaka (2-6; 6-4; 6-1) in the Women final.
The Canadian teenage sensation, who is just Eighteen years old, has written her name in gold and increased her fan base; despite a slow start earlier this year, being outside the top 300; her prowess display has earned her from 85th to 24th in the World ranking.
Victoria Mboko-who claimed her first ever WTA title now joins Faye Urban (1969) and Bianca Andreescu (2019) as the only Canadians to win their home event in the Open Era.
Meanwhile, the historical moment was as a result of her resilient and physical toughness in the third set when she took 3-1 lead after saving four break points in a pivotal fourth game.
However, Naomi Osaka fired a shot into the net on match point, excitedly, the teenager dropped to her knees in celebration before running over to warmly hug her family and coaches in the courtside box.
Amazingly, a raucous packed house in Montreal, Canada greeted Mboko’s milestone achievement with huge cheers. Besides, the spectators were rowdy during the match and the umpire repeatedly asked the fans to “please be quiet” in the crucial encounter.
“When I had that winning moment and saw so many people standing up and cheering for me, it was kind of a surreal experience Mboko said.
I would have never thought something like this would have come so suddenly. It just proves that your dreams are closer than they seem.
There were 13 service breaks in 25 games during the finals, with Mboko converting eight of her nine break points. And she did it with a stiff and swollen wrist that was hard to move.
After falling hard in the third set of her semi-finals over Elena Rybakina, Mboke woke up on Thursday morning and rushed to the hospital for X-rays and MRI, but ultimately received the green light to play.
Born to Congolese parents, the young champion has made Africa and the World proud after defeating three former Grand-Slam winners to win the Canada Open.
Elsewhere, we have witnessed several success stories of a girl child with talents and skills thereby inspiring our generation to a greater heights. E.g the Ogumike’s Sisters that have accomplished basketball strides; Nneka Ogumike WNBA enviable achievements, Chiney Ogumike regular match impact as well as Erica Ogumike stylish contributions to the game.
Notwithstanding, there’s much to be covered in the sporting industry. Such as rebranding; sponsorship; medial insurance; amongst others. Although, former Chelsea Superstar: John Mikel Obi daughters (twins) have recorded amazing and exceling success in soccer; Legendary Aruna Quadri (daughter) and (wife) incredible career journey in pingpong also, Table Tennis sport.
