The WTA Tour has proved extremely competitive, and that has been highlighted by Victoria Mboko and Alexandra Eala rising through the ranks.
Mboko finished the year by winning a title in Hong Kong, and that went alongside the Canadian Open title she claimed against the odds in August.
Predictions have been made about Mboko and where she might be ranked by the time the end of 2026 comes around.
Steve Johnson believes Mboko might already be capable of challenging for Grand Slam titles, and she’s finished the year in 18th spot on the list of world rankings.
Eala has been on the tour for a couple of years longer than Mboko, and now a claim has been made about both players as 2025 draws to a close.
- READ MORE: Andy Roddick hails Victoria Mboko
Nick Monroe predicts where Victoria Mboko will rank in 2026
With Elena Rybakina stunning Aryna Sabalenka to win the WTA Finals, talk on the latest Inside In podcast turned to the next players to break into the top 10.
Monroe was a brilliant doubles player during his time and reached Grand Slam quarterfinals at the French Open and the US Open.
He was the latest guest on the show, and he believes that Mboko is the one to keep an eye on, but also had some kind words for Eala, too.
Monroe said: “I’m looking at Victoria Mboko and Alexandra Eala, I think those two players are exciting.
“I think Mboko, especially, you know, because of her firepower, right? I feel like normally, we saw her make that run at a 1000, and she was able to handle that moment very well, right?
“I feel like her firepower and Eala as well, she did well in Miami, they have to come into their own, but those two players are the next two I think will break into the top 10, possibly next year.”
Mboko can thrive with a higher world ranking
Mboko will get automatic entry to all of the Grand Slam and 1000 events next year, and that can only bode well for the Canadian as she looks to progress further in 2026.
The 19-year-old has had some really good victories in 2025, and considering it’s her first year on the WTA Tour, it’s remarkable that she’s managed to win a 1000 event.
Monroe is right to think she could be the next player to break into the top 10 and emulate Rybakina, who ultimately came from outside the elite to win the WTA Finals.
Having the luxury of automatic entry to the big tournaments can only bode well, and with a stronger chance of an easier run to the business stages, it might not be long before Mboko really makes waves.
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