Mboko Defeats Fernandez to Reach Hong Kong Open Tennis Final

Victoria Mboko secured a significant win against fellow Canadian Leylah Fernandez in a three-set semifinal at the Hong Kong Open, overcoming an initial set loss to triumph 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Mboko displayed remarkable resilience and adjustment in her strategy, improving her first-serve success and maintaining her serve after Fernandez's medical timeout, which shifted the match momentum. This victory advances Mboko to face Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the final, whom she previously defeated in Rome earlier this year. Bucsa, ranked No. 68 with a mixed record this season, is on a four-match win streak but is considered the underdog against Mboko, who has had a standout year with six tournament titles and is projected to enter the WTA top 10. The final is highly anticipated, highlighting Mboko’s rise as a prominent young talent in tennis and her comeback after struggling with injuries and form earlier in the season. Fans and analysts are keenly watching this matchup as both athletes seek to add a title to their accomplishments.