VICKY Mboko stunned four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to win her first WTA 1000 title at the 2025 Canadian Open.
Here we get to know the parents of tennis’ latest superstar, who had more than a little influence on her success.
ReutersVictoria Mboko defied the odds to win the Canadian Open[/caption]
GettyShe defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the final[/caption]
Who are Vicky Mboko’s parents?
Victoria ‘Vicky’ Mboko is the daughter of Cyprien Mboko and Godee Kitadi.
Seeking a better life, the couple emigrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a time of turmoil in the late 1990s.
The family first moved to North Carolina, where Vicky was born on August 26, 2006.
When she was just two months old, the family relocated to Toronto, Canada, where Vicky was raised.
Early on in his life, her dad Cyprien developed a passion for tennis.
While he never played professionally, he was an avid follower of the sport from childhood.
In September 2021, Cyprien told OnTennis: “I have been watching tennis since I was very young.
“My friend and I back home in the Congo would watch Agassi, Courier, Graf and all the other great players.”
His love for tennis was passed down to his offspring, with Cyprien believing it would promote physical fitness and personal growth.
Despite financial constraints, he worked night shifts to support his daughter’s training and tournament travel.
Vicky’s mum Godee pursued her education diligently, earning an accounting degree while in Montreal.
Together, Cyprien and Godee built a household where tennis was not just a pastime but a significant focus.
They moved the family to Burlington, Ontario, so their kids could benefit from better training facilities and programmes.
My sister and brothers have been really important for me. I probably would not have played tennis if not for them. They played with me and coached me
Vicky Mboko
Their commitment to tennis led to all four of their kids — Vicky and her siblings Gracia, Kevin and David — playing the sport competitively.
Gracia earned a tennis scholarship to the University of Denver, Kevin played at Edinboro University, and David showed early promise before eye problems forced him to stop competing.
Vicky began playing tennis as a toddler, with her siblings playing a crucial role in nurturing her passion and skills.
Her sister Gracia said: “It almost seems like Vicky was born on a tennis court because our parents were always there when we were practising or playing, and Vicky would be with them.”
The family’s strong support system has been essential to Vicky’s rapid rise in the ranks, with Vicky herself crediting them for her success.
She said: “My sister and brothers have been really important for me. I probably would not have played tennis if not for them. They played with me and coached me.”
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