Victoria Mboko shares key fitness update ahead of Qatar Open final: "It’s important to rest"

Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko delivered a statement performance at the Qatar Open, powering into the final with a dominant straight-sets victory over Jelena Ostapenko. But with over nine hours already logged on court this week, attention has swiftly shifted from tactics to recovery.

Mboko dismantled Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2 in just one hour and 14 minutes — her quickest win of the tournament — to reach her second WTA 1000 final. The emphatic display capped a demanding run in Doha, where her previous two matches stretched to three sets, testing both endurance and resilience.

“It’s important to rest” — Victoria Mboko addresses fitness

Following her semifinal triumph, Victoria Mboko provided reassurance about her physical condition while acknowledging the toll of a packed schedule.

“I feel pretty good, it’s a part of the game,” she said.

“Sometimes you have really long matches, sometimes it’s shorter.

“But it’s important to rest up, take recovery into perspective, and just do everything I can to be ready for tomorrow.”

The measured response underlined her maturity on the big stage. With the final looming against either Maria Sakkari or Karolina Muchova, effective recovery could prove decisive in her bid for the title.

Masterclass in Doha

Beyond the fitness focus, Mboko reflected on the level required to overcome a former Grand Slam champion in Ostapenko.

“I mean, it’s crazy. She was playing really great tennis from the start, so I felt like I had to step it up,” said Victoria Mboko.

“No, I’m happy to be here in the final, and I want to thank everyone who came here to support, there’s a lot of people, there’s a lot more in each round, so thank you, everyone, for coming.”

The semifinal drew a strong crowd amid earlier scrutiny over attendance in Doha, and fans were rewarded with one of Mboko’s most polished performances to date.

Now, with a WTA 1000 title within reach, the 19-year-old’s focus turns firmly to recovery. As she emphasized, rest is no longer optional — it is essential preparation for the biggest match of her week.