Canada's Victoria Mboko loses US Open debut to Krejcikova

Canadian tennis rising star Victoria Mboko, seeded 22nd at the US Open following her win at the National Bank Open in Montreal, was defeated in the first round by two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. Mboko, who is approaching her 19th birthday, appeared hampered by a wrist injury sustained during the National Bank Open semifinals, visibly shaking her wrapped wrist multiple times during the match. Despite Mboko's recent surge in rankings, Krejcikova's tactical experience and strong serving, winning over 80% of first-serve points in the second set, allowed her to control the match. Krejcikova, ranked 61st due to time off for a back injury, demonstrated her enduring skill and composure, having won Wimbledon in 2024 and the French Open in 2021 while ranked outside the Top 30. Mboko struggled with her serve, committing 10 double faults and 30 unforced errors, which contributed to her early exit. The match was paused briefly in the second set due to a search for Krejcikova's racket vibration dampener, and Montreal's Gabriel Diallo also competed in the men's first round later that day.