Victoria Mboko isn’t just another rising star in tennis; she’s a full-blown sensation, and her origin story is as much about her family as it is about her explosive talent. At just 18 years old, she’s already making waves, defeating Grand Slam champions like Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, and climbing the WTA rankings at a dizzying pace.
But behind every great athlete is a support system, and for Mboko, that system is her tight-knit, tennis-obsessed household. From her Congolese roots to her siblings who paved the way, her journey is a credit to perseverance, sacrifice, and a shared love for the game.
Who Are Victoria Mboko’s Parents & Family? From Congo to Canada: A Family’s Journey
Victoria Mboko’s parents, Cyprien Mboko (father) and Godee Kitadi (mother), left the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1999, fleeing political unrest in search of safety and opportunity. They first settled in the U.S., where Victoria was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2006. But just two months after her birth, the family made another life-changing move—this time to Toronto, Canada, where they put down permanent roots.
Cyprien, a mechanical engineer by trade, worked night shifts to support his children’s tennis dreams, often driving them to practices and tournaments. Though he never played professionally, he was a lifelong tennis fan, idolizing legends like Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. He saw the sport as more than just a game; it was a way to instill discipline and fitness in his kids. In interviews, he’s recalled buying hundreds of tennis balls from Walmart, only to lose most of them in the bushes during backyard practice sessions.
The winning moment ✨
Victoria Mboko captures her first WTA title in Montreal, defeating Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.#OBN25 pic.twitter.com/OveLB47YMZ
— wta (@WTA) August 8, 2025
Godee, an accountant, balanced her career with raising four tennis-playing children. Described as a “go-getter” and fiercely protective, she played a hands-on role in their development, even relocating the family to Burlington, Ontario, so they could train at the prestigious Ace Tennis Academy. Together, Cyprien and Godee built a home where tennis wasn’t just a hobby, it was a way of life.
Victoria Mboko’s Siblings Who Shaped a Champion
Victoria is the youngest of four, and her siblings—Gracia, Kevin, and David—were her first coaches, rivals, and biggest fans. All three played tennis competitively, setting the stage for her own career.
Gracia, the eldest sister, earned a scholarship to the University of Denver and later became a private equity consultant. She remembers a 9-year-old Victoria begging to join a local women’s tournament at their club, and even though Gracia demolished her 6-0, 6-0, Victoria walked off the court as if she’d expected to win. That unshakable self-belief, Gracia says, is what separates the good from the great.
Kevin, the oldest brother, played college tennis at Edinboro University and now works as a coach in Toronto. He’s been a constant presence in Victoria’s career, offering advice and keeping her grounded. After her breakout win over Coco Gauff in Montreal, he joked that he still holds their childhood matches over her head, especially the time she lost to Gracia without winning a single game.
David, the third sibling, also showed early promise but had to step away from the sport due to vision problems. Instead, he pursued computer science at the University of Toronto, proving that success in the Mboko family isn’t limited to the court.
Victoria has always credited her siblings for her love of the game. “I probably wouldn’t have played tennis if not for them,” she told the WTA. “They played with me, coached me, and never let me feel left out.” Even now, as she surpasses their achievements, they’re her loudest cheerleaders, whether in the stands at Roland Garros or texting encouragement before a big match.
The Mboko Legacy: More Than Just Tennis
“I wanna thank every single one of you who came to support me” 🫶
Victoria Mboko addresses her home crowd as the new queen of Canada 🏆#OBN25 pic.twitter.com/5aW83eVMDp
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 8, 2025
What makes Victoria Mboko’s story so compelling isn’t just her rapid rise; it’s the way her family’s journey mirrors the immigrant experience: sacrifice, adaptation, and relentless hustle. From Congo to Canada, from night shifts to Grand Slams, the Mbokos have built a legacy that goes beyond sports. And as Victoria continues her climb, whether facing Naomi Osaka or breaking into the Top 20, one thing’s for sure: her loved ones will be right there with her, every step of the way.
