Victoria Mboko made history by winning her first career title, defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the final.
While it was a landmark triumph for the Canadian, the moment carried heartbreak for Osaka, who had delivered her strongest showing at a WTA 1000 event since reaching the Miami Open final in 2022.
The loss weighed heavily on the former World No. 1, evident in her body language and her notably brief speech. Her frustration appeared to linger, with reports emerging that she was set to skip the post-match press conference.
Naomi Osaka’s Press Conference Delay After Canadian Open Loss
Osaka appeared determined to end her long wait for a WTA 1000 title, especially after cruising through the first set 6-2. However, Mboko mounted a strong comeback, converting eight of nine break points and winning the following two sets 6-4, 6-1 to secure the first title of any kind in her career.
The Canadian was visibly emotional as she dropped to her knees, with the IGA Stadium crowd erupting in celebration. However, that wasn’t the case for Osaka, who had given her all to reach the title clash.
It is worth noting that the 27-year-old was slapped with a code violation after hitting a ball into the stands in frustration, following a double fault on a break point.
Osaka’s post-match speech lasted less than a minute and did not mention her young opponent’s historic triumph. Subsequently, fans seemed to take issue with her lack of acknowledgment.
“I don’t really wanna take up too much time. I’ll just say thank you to everyone. Thank you to my team, the ball kids, organizers, and volunteers. I hope you guys had a good night,” she said.
Naomi Osaka after losing to Victoria Mboko in Montreal final
“I don’t really wanna take up too much time. I’ll just say thank you to everyone. Thank you to my team, the ball kids, organizers, & volunteers. I hope you guys had a good night.”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 8, 2025
According to on-site journalists, the organizers relayed the news of Osaka’s potential no-show at her post-match press conference in Montreal.
However, the Japanese-American tennis player showed up to talk to the media, albeit after a significant delay.
The four-time Major champion has often been open about her mental state following defeats on tour. Notably, she expressed her disappointment online after a fourth-round exit at the Italian Open, with a blunt reaction to the result.
Victoria Mboko Lauded Osaka After Historic Canadian Open Triumph
Mboko was visibly elated as she lifted the Canadian Open trophy after defeating Osaka in the final. The 18-year-old also thanked Osaka for an incredible match and said she has looked up to the four-time Grand Slam champion since childhood.
“I wanna thank Naomi for an incredible match. I’ve always looked up to her when I was really little so its always great to play with such an amazing player like you,” she said.
“I wanna thank every single one of you who came to support me” 🫶
Victoria Mboko addresses her home crowd as the new queen of Canada 🏆#OBN25 pic.twitter.com/5aW83eVMDp
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 8, 2025
The Canadian is now set to assume a new career-high of World No. 24. It remains to be seen if she competes in Cincinnati before her highly anticipated US Open campaign.
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