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Victoria Mboko +3 in WTA Rankings as she seals two milestones at Hong Kong Open

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Victoria Mboko has unlocked two career ranking milestones by overcoming Anna Kalinskaya to reach the semi-finals at the 2025 Hong Kong Tennis Open.

In what was the first meeting between the pair, Mboko was leading 6-1, 3-1 when world No 35 Kalinskaya was forced to retire due to physical issues.

Victoria Mboko clinches ranking milestones in Hong Kong

  • Victoria Mboko reached the semi-finals at the Hong Kong Tennis Open as Anna Kalinskaya was forced to retire in the pair’s quarter-final
  • The 19-year-old has guaranteed that she will move up three places to a new career-best ranking of world No 18
  • Mboko’s latest victory means she will end the 2025 season as the Canadian No 1 ahead of Leylah Fernandez

Mboko started the quarter-final encounter at the WTA 250 tournament by saving a break point in the opening game and she broke Kalinskaya to take a 3-1 lead.

The Canadian then fought off two break points to hold for 4-1 before breaking her 26-year-old Russian opponent again to go up 5-1.

After Mboko served the set out, Kalinskaya had her vitals checked by the tournament doctor.

Kalinskaya staved off a break point to hold in the first game of the second set, but she lost her next service game to fall 1-2 behind.

Mboko then held from 0-40 to take a 3-1 lead, after which Kalinskaya took a medical timeout to have her vitals checked again. This time, the Russian was unable to continue and awarded the win to Mboko.

Mboko’s ranking rise

Prior to her quarter-final against Kalinskaya, Mboko had climbed one position to a projected career-high ranking of 20th in the Live WTA Rankings.

By progressing to the semi-finals, Mboko has moved onto 2,005 points, which has lifted her above Elise Mertens and Karolina Muchova into 18th place.

 

Mboko is guaranteed to be the world No 18 when the WTA Rankings update next week as no player can overtake her, and she cannot move up any further — even if she wins the title.

By achieving this, the 19-year-old has ensured she will finish the 2025 season as the Canadian women’s No 1, having been in contention with Leylah Fernandez — who is also still in action in Hong Kong.

Fernandez started the week as the world No 22, but she is currently 23rd in the Live Rankings due to points she is defending from the same event last year. The 23-year-old can climb to as high as 19th place if she secures the title in Hong Kong.

If Mboko had lost in the quarter-finals, Fernandez could have overtaken her by winning the title in Hong Kong.

What next for Mboko?

Mboko will face either No 2 seed Fernandez or seventh seed and world No 45 Sorana Cirstea in the semi-finals in Hong Kong on Saturday.

The Canadian is chasing her second career title to add to her stunning breakthrough victory at the WTA 1000 in Montreal.

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Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour

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Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.

We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.

 

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Strength in Style: Taylor Townsend’s Latest Photos Capture the Power of Confidence

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Tennis star Taylor Townsend is proving once again that strength and beauty are not opposites — they’re a perfect match. In her latest series of photos, the American powerhouse effortlessly blends athletic grace with unapologetic confidence, reminding the world that true power shines brightest when it comes from within.

The photos, which quickly captured fans’ attention online, showcase Taylor in a radiant light — bold, self-assured, and glowing with the poise of a woman who knows exactly who she is. Whether dressed in sleek athletic wear or elegant casual fits, her energy commands attention — not just because of her style, but because of her authenticity and self-belief.

Townsend, who has long been admired for her resilience on and off the court, has redefined what it means to be an athlete in today’s world. As a professional tennis player, mother, and advocate for self-acceptance, she continues to inspire millions who see themselves reflected in her journey — a story of perseverance, pride, and power.

In a recent interview, Taylor reflected on her evolution, saying:

“Confidence doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from standing tall in your truth — from knowing your worth even when others don’t see it yet.”

That message resonates deeply with fans, who flooded social media with words of admiration. One comment summed it up perfectly: “Taylor Townsend is what strength looks like — beautiful, real, and unstoppable.”

Her latest photos aren’t just a showcase of style — they’re a celebration of self-love and strength, a reminder that confidence is the most powerful accessory anyone can wear. 🌟

Taylor Townsend isn’t just winning matches — she’s winning hearts, redefining what greatness looks like, one stunning moment at a time. 💖🎾

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Out But Not Down — Holger Rune’s Determined Message After Achilles Surgery Inspires Fans Worldwide

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Tennis fans across the globe are rallying behind Holger Rune, after the Danish star shared an emotional but determined message following his devastating Achilles injury that abruptly ended his 2025 season.

The 22-year-old, known for his fierce competitiveness and electric energy on court, was forced to retire during the Stockholm Open semifinals after collapsing in pain mid-match against Ugo Humbert. Moments later, Rune confirmed what fans feared — a torn Achilles tendon, one of the toughest injuries any athlete can face.

But instead of silence or despair, Rune chose to face the challenge head-on. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, he wrote:

“It’s gonna be a while before I can step on court again… It’s tough. I had so much joy out there, and it’s unbearable to think I won’t feel that energy for some time. But I’ll be back — stronger, wiser, and more grateful than ever.”

His words, filled with pain yet overflowing with resilience, immediately resonated with millions. Fellow players, coaches, and fans flooded his post with encouragement, calling him a “fighter”, a “true champion in spirit”, and the embodiment of perseverance.

Rune has already undergone successful surgery and, in a move that stunned many, shared photos of himself training from a seated position — refusing to let recovery stop his momentum. The images showed a young man focused not on what he’s lost, but on what he can rebuild.

Even as he faces months of rehabilitation, Rune’s story has become a symbol of mental toughness and grace under pressure. His family and team remain by his side, reminding the tennis world that this setback doesn’t define his career — it refines it.

As one fan beautifully wrote:

“He may be off the court, but his spirit is still winning matches.”

For Holger Rune, this isn’t the end of a season — it’s the start of a comeback story that could inspire a generation. 💥🔥

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