Canadian tennis sensation Victoria Mboko's impressive run at the Adelaide International came to an end in the championship match on Saturday. The 19-year-old from Canada was defeated by third-seeded Russian Mirra Andreeva in straight sets, with a final score of 6-3, 6-1.
A Promising Start Fades Away
The final featured the two youngest players inside the WTA Tour's top 20, promising a dynamic battle. Mboko seized the initiative early, racing to a commanding 3-0 lead in the opening set. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as the 18-year-old Andreeva found her rhythm.
Andreeva reeled off 13 consecutive points to level the first set and then dominated proceedings. She won nine games in a row overall, turning the 3-0 deficit into a 6-3, 3-0 lead. The Russian's precision and power overwhelmed Mboko's initial aggressive play.
Medical Timeout Highlights Physical Struggle
The physical toll of the match became apparent in the second set. Trailing 3-0, Victoria Mboko took a medical timeout where her blood pressure and pulse were checked. She bravely returned to the court and managed to win her first game of the set, avoiding a second-set bagel.
Despite that moment of resistance, Andreeva proved too strong, closing out the match just three games later to claim the title. This victory marks Andreeva's fifth WTA title, achieved in her sixth career final appearance.
Mboko's Rapid Rise Continues
While the loss in Adelaide is a setback, it does little to diminish Victoria Mboko's remarkable and rapid ascent in professional tennis. At just 19, she has already cemented her place among the game's elite young stars.
Her career resume already includes two significant WTA titles: the prestigious WTA 1000 Canadian Open in Montreal last year and the WTA 250 Hong Kong Open. Reaching the final of another international tournament underscores her consistency and threat on the global stage.
The Adelaide International also hosted a men's final later in the day, featuring Tomas Machac and Ugo Humbert.
