Ben Shelton and Victoria Mboko made headlines by securing the ATP and WTA titles at the recent Canadian Open tournaments. Shelton ascended to sixth place in the ATP rankings following his first ATP Masters 1000 victory, where he defeated Karen Khachanov in the Toronto final. Meanwhile, Mboko climbed to 24th in the WTA rankings after overcoming Naomi Osaka in the Montreal final.
The 18-year-old Mboko captured her first tour-level championship and made a remarkable leap of 61 ranking places ahead of her next event, the Cincinnati Open. Shelton will also compete in Cincinnati, facing Camilo Ugo Carabelli in his opening match.
Ben Shelton Comments on Victoria Mboko and Tennis’s Growing Diversity
Before his match in Cincinnati, Shelton reflected on how the Canadian Open finals showcased rising young talents and how this fresh wave is reshaping tennis. He highlighted players such as himself, Mboko, Naomi Osaka, and doubles finalists Coco Gauff and Taylor Townsend as examples of this new generation.
He described the sport’s current landscape as diverse and exciting, saying it is
“really cool to see young stars, new stars breaking through.”
Shelton acknowledged Mboko’s skill and the significance of her victory at such a young age, especially given the strong opponent she defeated.
He also pointed to his close relationships with Coco Gauff and Taylor Townsend, mentioning his experience playing mixed doubles with Townsend at the US Open. Shelton expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities present now for American players as well as for tennis overall.
I think that tennis is reaching a different demographic than it was before, and that’s because of, especially in the US, stars like Coco and Frances [Tiafoe] and Taylor. But not just Americans, North Americans, Europeans too. Yeah, it’s really cool for me to see.
—Ben Shelton, ATP Player
Victoria Mboko’s Rise and Strategic Decisions After Canadian Open Victory
The Canadian Open was a celebration for American tennis, highlighted by Shelton’s ATP success and doubles champions Coco Gauff and McCartney Kessler. The duo defeated Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai to claim their title, adding to the sense of optimism about American players’ prospects.
Mboko, however, stood out as the tournament’s breakout star. The Canadian teenager mounted an impressive comeback to defeat former world number one Naomi Osaka by scores of 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in front of an 11,000-strong crowd. Starting the year ranked 333rd, Mboko’s victory is a testament to her rapid development.
Despite Shelton’s plan to compete in Cincinnati, Mboko and Osaka both decided to withdraw from that tournament. This choice reflects their focus on preparing in peak condition for the upcoming US Open, demonstrating careful management of their schedules.
What This Means for Tennis Moving Forward
The stunning performances of Ben Shelton and Victoria Mboko at the Canadian Open signal a refreshing shift in professional tennis, highlighting the sport’s expanding talent pool and diverse representation. With young athletes breaking through at major events, there is growing excitement and anticipation surrounding future competitions.
As Shelton advances in the ATP rankings and Mboko continues to rise within the WTA, their achievements inspire other young players and fans alike. Their presence in key upcoming tournaments like Cincinnati and the US Open will be closely watched, offering a glimpse of tennis’s evolving landscape and the promising careers ahead.