Victoria Mboko edges Jaqueline Cristian in semi-final thriller in Strasbourg; reaches final to face Emma Navarro

Tennis: Victoria Mboko edges Jaqueline Cristian in semi-final thriller in Strasbourg

The Canadian, who was playing in her third semi-final of 2026, overcame the Romanian in a three-set contest, rallying for a 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 win.

Top seedVictoria Mbokoheld her nerves to defeatJaqueline Cristian7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Internationaux de Strasbourgtennistournament on Friday (22 May).

Mboko, 19, won a dramatic opening set in a tiebreak after Cristian had managed to save a series of set points.

In the second set, Romania’s Cristian had a double-break lead and controlled the play as the Canadian top seed attempted to mount a comeback. TheParis 2024Olympian levelled the match by taking it 6-3 to send it to a decider.

But the teenager firmly controlled the final frame. The World No.9 reduced her unforced errors in the third set, breaking Cristian’s serve twice to take the lead. Mboko maintained her advantage to power through to the final, winning in two hours and 52 minutes.

She will faceEmma Navarroof the USA in the final. Navarro secured her place in the final with a straight-sets win over compatriotAnn Li, 6-1, 6-3.

Relive the magic ❄️⛷️ Sign up free for full replays, highlights, and medal moments - anytime.