Mboko’s coach Natalie Tauziet – herself a pragmatist on the court and former world number three and Wimbledon finalist in the ’90s – has overseen Mboko’s remarkable form after previously guiding her in the junior ranks.
“I think what is important for her is to see us not panic when something happen. I remember at the beginning of the year, she always told me: ‘Oh, you’re so calm during the match.'”
“The US Open is the objective – who knows, maybe she can do something good? Here, we are going match by match, and hoping for no injury.”
Mboko hurt her hand in the semi against Rybakina in a heavy fall in Montreal, but says she doesn’t feel it ahead of the final.
Another benefit of being young appears to be the ability to bounce off a hard court, alongside the anxiety-free world-view teenage sports stars so often benefit from.
As former young Canadian star and another Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard said on Canadian TV after Mboko’s win over Coco Gauff: “She was fearless, and she didn’t seem to let the moment affect her that much.
“Her power and shotmaking were great. She didn’t let Coco do too much, or give her give her any time. Taking it to her with her serve, [Mboko] Handled the moment in such a mature way.”
Mboko will need that maturity before the final against an experienced player who herself has never gone past the quarters in Canada: “It’s crazy how life works, it’s such a great feeling.”
“But I didn’t think of lifting trophy up until now. I always try to focus on the present moment – but it’s obviously a vision I would like to see. And that’s what I’m playing for.”
