Naomi Osaka is just one win away from her first WTA 1000 title in over three years, but as she prepares for the 2025 Canadian Open final, the Japanese star admitted she’s got more than just the trophy on her mind. Facing 18-year-old Canadian wildcard Victoria Mboko, who once called Osaka her idol, the four-time Grand Slam champion made a hilarious confession about feeling the pressure to make a good impression.
What Did Naomi Osaka Say About Her Canadian Open Final Opponent?
The Montreal event, officially known as the National Bank Open, marks Naomi Osaka’s sixth appearance at the tournament. The former World No. 1 hasn’t lifted a title since the 2021 Australian Open and is eager to get back to the winner’s circle.
Her path to the final has been commanding, featuring wins over local Ariana Arseneault, 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova, 22nd seed Jeļena Ostapenko, Anastasija Sevastova, 10th seed Elina Svitolina, and 16th seed Clara Tauson.
Naomi didn’t come to play 😤@naomiosaka puts on a clinical showing to secure her spot in the Montreal final, defeating Tauson 6-2, 7-6(7)!#OBN25 pic.twitter.com/GMIq5FRjub
— wta (@WTA) August 7, 2025
What makes Sunday’s final even more special is Mboko’s personal connection to her opponent.
In a press conference following her semifinal victory, Osaka was asked how it felt to face someone who once idolized her. “I don’t think that’s ever happened. I’m shook,” Osaka responded, laughing. “No, I mean, it’s really cute. I guess I have to have a really good attitude tomorrow. I can’t let her not like me anymore.”
Osaka went on to reflect on the surreal moment of playing against someone who modeled themselves after her. “It’s funny because I was, like, I see her on the TV, and I was low-key, like, that’s my little twin, because we both have our blue dresses and our buns and everything,” she said.
“I’m really honored. I always said that I would love to play someone that looked up to me in a way, so it’s happening way sooner than I thought it would.”
While Osaka has been turning heads with her resurgent form, Victoria Mboko has become the breakout star of the tournament. The Canadian teen has stunned the tennis world with her breakthrough run, taking down Kimberly Birrell, Sofia Kenin, Marie Bouzková, top-seeded Coco Gauff, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and ninth-seeded Elena Rybakina to reach her first WTA 1000 final.
