Canadian tennis star Félix Auger-Aliassime is mentoring fellow athlete Victoria Mboko as she prepares for the upcoming Australian Open. At just 19 years old, Mboko is a rising star in the tennis world, a role that Auger-Aliassime knows well. He recalls his own early experiences as a prodigy in the sport and the challenges that accompanied sudden fame.
Mentorship and Insights
Auger-Aliassime shared some advice with Mboko, emphasizing the importance of perspective in sports. “Tennis humbles you quickly,” he noted, explaining the volatility of rankings and public perception. Despite being ranked in the top 10 previously, he experienced the pressure of expectations and how quickly perceptions can shift if performance declines.
Victoria Mboko’s Rise
Starting the 2025 season ranked No. 333, Mboko’s trajectory changed dramatically. She won the prestigious National Bank Open in Canada and ascended into the top 20 of the WTA rankings. Alongside the accolades came media attention and opportunities, including a Rolex ambassadorship.
- 2025 Highlights:
- Ranked No. 333 at the start of the season
- Winner of the National Bank Open
- Entered the top 20 of WTA rankings
- Achievements:
- Rolex ambassadorship
- Court-side attendance at Toronto Raptors games
Dealing with Pressure
Mboko acknowledges the rapid changes in her life and the challenges of maintaining consistency. She revealed that battling nerves before matches can lead to slow starts. Auger-Aliassime emphasized that anxiety is a common experience for players at all levels.
“It’s all part of the process,” he stated, pointing out that even seasoned players constantly strive for improvement. The pressure and anxiety experienced during big matches can diminish over time with experience.
Looking Forward to the Australian Open
This year marks Mboko’s first trip to Australia as a professional. She is part of a talented group of emerging players, including Mirra Andreeva, Jack Draper, and Joao Fonseca. These athletes are recognized as part of the “New Faces, Taking Names” campaign, spotlighting the next generation of tennis stars.
New Aspirations
As they head into the Australian Open, both Auger-Aliassime and Mboko are focused on their goals. For Auger-Aliassime, it’s about taking the next step toward a Grand Slam title. For Mboko, after a successful 2025 season, she enters this tournament not just with aspirations to perform but as someone who is now under the spotlight as a rising star.
The dynamic between an established player and an emerging talent highlights the evolution of tennis and the experience shared between generations. As they navigate the challenges of the sport, both athletes aim to learn, grow, and inspire others along the way.
