Doha: Victoria Mboko Cruises Past Ostapenko in Doha Semifinal
Canadian sensation Mboko, Mboko dominates Ostapenko, winning 9 of last 11 games to set up Doha final against Karolina Muchova.
Despite those setbacks, Mboko has bounced back strongly, beating top players like...
Victoria Mboko, the 19-year-old Canadian sensation, is one win away from a second WTA 1000 title after a dominant 6-3, 6-2 win over Jelena Ostapenko in Doha. Mboko, who burst onto the scene with a title win in Montreal last August, was in a different class, winning nine of the last 11 games.
FINAL BOUND 🛫
— wta (@WTA) February 13, 2026
Vicky Mboko's search for a second WTA 1000 title continues. She defeats Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2 👏
#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen pic.twitter.com/3tyFkEXqWS
Victoria Mboko is on the verge of a historic moment, poised to break into the top 10 rankings regardless of the outcome of today's final against Karolina Muchova. This incredible rise comes after a remarkable start to 2026, with Mboko winning multiple WTA titles and defeating top players like Mirra Andreeva and Elena Rybakina.
Mboko's opponent, Karolina Muchova, secured her spot in the final with a thrilling three-set win over Maria Sakkari, showcasing her resilience and skill. Muchova, a seasoned player with a career-high ranking of 8, is chasing her first WTA 1000 title.
“It is crazy, she was playing great tennis from the start, so I had to step it up. I'm happy to be here in the final,” she said after the match.
“I feel pretty good, it is part of the game, sometimes you have really long matches... it is important to rest up and take recovery... do everything I can to be ready for tomorrow.”
Taking on last year's runner-up and the 2017 French Open champion, Mboko made a slow start to the encounter, going down an early break. However, she wasn't behind for long, getting the break back to level the score at 2-2, before winning four of the next five games to take the first set.
From that point on, Mboko took firm control of the contest, with her thunderous groundstrokes and stunning backhand causing Ostapenko all sorts of problems. She had little issue in the second set, and despite being broken back when serving for the match at 5-0, she got over the line on the second time of asking.
Mboko's start to 2026 was a mixed bag - she impressed in Adelaide, reaching the final, but struggled with injuries, getting thumped by Mirra Andreeva and Aryna Sabalenka in subsequent matches.
Despite those setbacks, Mboko has bounced back strongly, beating top players like Andreeva, Rybakina, and Ostapenko to reach the Doha final. Now, Karolina Muchova awaits, and Mboko's determination will be tested again.
Karolina Muchova fought back from a set down to beat Maria Sakkari 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, securing her spot in the Doha final against Victoria Mboko. The Czech star is chasing her first WTA 1000 title, having reached two previous finals without success.
Putting the Win in Second Wind 😮💨
— wta (@WTA) February 13, 2026
Karolina Muchova defeats Sakkari to reach her first finals in Doha!#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen pic.twitter.com/ZTzJ8J8cn8
This match promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Mboko's aggressive baseline game facing off against Muchova's clever and versatile playing style.
Who do you think will take home the trophy?
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