Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WTA Montreal match.
Eighteen-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko will play for her first-ever WTA 1000 title, facing the decorated Naomi Osaka in the final.
Victoria Mboko
Mboko is having a sensational season, winning 90% of her matches on hard courts (18-2), including eight victories in ten appearances at WTA-level events. On her way to the final, she’s taken down Sofia Kenin, Marie Bouzkova, Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina, showcasing an excellent first serve — 69% accuracy and 67% conversion. Should she claim the title, she’ll break into the WTA top 30 and become Canada’s number one.
Naomi Osaka
Osaka reached the final dropping just one set — in the second round against Samsonova. She dispatched Jeļena Ostapenko, Elina Svitolina and Clara Tauson with relative ease. However, she’s struggled in recent meetings with the younger generation: six defeats in her last eight matches against players under 21. Add the pressure of a final and a partisan Canadian crowd, and the challenge becomes even greater.
Victoria Mboko vs Naomi Osaka Prediction
Mboko is playing at home, in peak form, and has already shown she can beat top-tier opponents. Even if the title eludes her, she’s more than capable of pushing Osaka all the way.