Monday Digest: Mboko the Bright Spot in Miami

Whereas the keep was quick for the Canadians in Miami, there have been loads of positives to be taken from half two of the Sunshine Double, particularly for rising star Victoria Mboko. The teenager dazzled in her two matches in South Florida, carrying the nice type that had seen her dominate the ITF circuit onto the principle tour. 

Right here’s what you have to know. 

In Case You Missed It: Spectacular Debut for Mboko 

The Canadian contingent in Miami received off to a robust begin on the 1000-level occasion, with all 5 singles gamers successful their opening matches.  

All eyes have been on 18-year-old Victoria Mboko heading into the Miami Open as the teenager acquired a wildcard into her first WTA 1000 occasion and simply her second WTA Tour primary draw. In spherical one, she outlasted Camila Osorio for her first tour-level primary draw match win. 

Then within the second spherical, she went toe-to-toe for over two hours with world No. 11 Paula Badosa, pushing the veteran to a third-set tiebreak regardless of having dropped the opening set and trailing 5-2 within the third. Whereas the comeback finally got here up quick, Mboko left her mark on the match.  

Learn additionally: Victoria Mboko Stepping Into the Highlight After Unimaginable Begin to 2025

Gabriel Diallo was the one different Canadian who needed to play a first-round match. He simply beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry in spherical one however his match got here to a disappointing finish as he suffered an ankle damage within the second set of his round-two conflict with Arthur Fils and was pressured to retire.  

Félix Auger-Aliassime, Leylah Annie Fernandez, and Denis Shapovalov have been all seeded and had first-round byes. All of them gained their opening matches however misplaced in spherical three. 

Auger-Aliassime defeated Tristan Schoolkate earlier than bowing out in three units in opposition to fifteenth seed Lorenzo Musetti. Fernandez took down Alycia Parks however was foiled in her subsequent match by Ashlyn Krueger. Shapovalov narrowly received by means of his opener in opposition to Thiago Agustin Tirante earlier than falling to Taylor Fritz. 

Doubles was disappointing for the Canadians, with each Fernandez and Gabriela Dabrowski dropping their respective opening matches.  

On account of the Miami defeats, there aren’t any Canadians competing this week on the ATP or WTA primary excursions. 

Click on right here for extra information and outcomes from the ATP and WTA Excursions.

Beneath the Radar: Arseneault Siblings United 

It was a uncommon title-less week for Canada on the decrease circuits. One of the best Canadian outcomes have been a couple of semifinal runs. 

A few of these semifinals got here on the ITF Tour in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the place the three Arseneault siblings have been all competing. Nicolas Arseneault had the perfect singles consequence, attending to the semifinal as a qualifier the place he bowed out to the eventual champion Petr Brunclik of Czechia. 

In doubles, Nicolas and his twin brother Mikael reached the semifinals collectively. Additionally they misplaced to the eventual champions Blu Baker and Andrew Fenty.  

Their massive sister Ariana certified for the ladies’s singles primary draw and gained her opening match earlier than falling in spherical two to thirteenth seed Matilde Jorge. She additionally reached the quarter-finals of the doubles with Christina Rosca.  

There’s one other pair of ITF occasions in Santo Domingo this week, with the three Arseneaults among the many 18 Canadians competing.  

Learn additionally: Highway to the NBO Replace – Draxl, Cross Proceed to Lead After March ITF Occasions

Three Canadian girls, Rebecca Marino, Marina Stakusic, and Carol Zhao, are all competing on the WTA 125 occasion this week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

The ITF Masters Tour World Particular person Championships for the 30+ to 45+ age teams happened final week in Antalya, Turkey, however just like the crew championships, Canada was unable to convey house a medal.  

Fischer Indoor Junior Nationals are additionally underway this week, with the U16s competing in Quebec and the U12s in Calgary. CLICK HERE to learn the occasion preview.

You possibly can comply with the Canadians in motion each week right here.