Montreal: From the shadows to the spotlight, Naomi Osaka reaches a surprising final
Naomi Osaka defeated Clara Tauson (6-2, 7-6) on Wednesday night in Montreal. Since surviving a second-round scare, the Japanese star has been on a tear and will play her first WTA 1000 final since 2019. She’ll face 18-year-old Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko in a generational showdown.
Osaka Montreal 2025 – © Zuma / Psnewz
Ever since she saved three match points against Liudmila Samsonova in the second round, Naomi Osaka has been unstoppable. She followed that dramatic escape with commanding wins over Jelena Ostapenko (6-2, 6-4), Anastasija Sevastova (6-1, 6-0), and Elina Svitolina (6-2, 6-2). On Wednesday, it was Clara Tauson’s turn to face the reborn former world No 1.
Against the Dane, who had upset Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys earlier in the tournament, Osaka showed poise and control. Despite a brief dip in the second set after leading 6-2, 4-2, she held firm and closed out the match in 1h45, winning 6-2, 7-6 (7).
“I was leading, and then… life? I don’t know (laughs),” Osaka said after the match.
“She’s a great player. If I give her just a little bit, she takes advantage. And she returns really well, so I felt pressure on my serve all the time.”
A surprise final — and she owns it
This win sends Osaka into her first WTA 1000 final since Beijing 2019. She’ll face 18-year-old Canadian wild card Victoria Mboko, who continues to stun the home crowd. The final is rich in symbolism: just four years ago, Mboko revealed that Osaka was her idol.
“Oh no… I’m shocked!” Osaka said with a laugh when told of Mboko’s comment. “That’s so cute. I guess I’ll have to be on my best behavior tomorrow — I don’t want her to stop liking me!”
A rare WTA 1000 final between unseeded players
This will be just the seventh WTA 1000 final in history between two unseeded players. A rare occurrence — but one that did happen earlier this season in Doha, where Amanda Anisimova defeated Jelena Ostapenko.
Back in the top 30 for the first time since returning from maternity leave, Osaka now has a shot at winning her third career WTA 1000 title, after Indian Wells 2018 and Beijing 2019.
Clear mind, strong body
Behind her calm demeanor, Osaka revealed a renewed mental clarity. “I’m taking it one match at a time. I didn’t expect anything; I just wanted to learn from each match. I’ve faced some really tough opponents, and I’m grateful for that.”
She also addressed concerns about her physical condition after playing three matches in three days : “Honestly, I feel like a grandma right now (laughs). But I recover fast — that’s one of my strengths. The more I play, the better I feel. I just hope it’s enough tomorrow against a teenager — because I know she will be fresh!”
Mboko, one last hurdle
Against the rising star Victoria Mboko, Osaka will face a final full of contrasts: experience versus youth, composure versus audacity. But the Japanese player seems determined to embrace the moment — and perhaps, lift another major trophy.
“It’s my first hard court final since I came back. I’m happy. Just a little tired… but excited.”
Montreal WTA 1000, other semi-final result (IGA Stadium, hard, USD 5.152.599):
- Victoria Mboko beat Elena Rybakina (9): 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4)
