Bianca Andreescu shared some encouraging words for her compatriot and teenage sensation Victoria Mboko during the latest episode of Tennis Channel’s Big T podcast. Andreescu was a guest on the show alongside hosts Brad Gilbert, Coco Vandeweghe, and Mark Petchey, as they discussed the main draw of the Indian Wells Open.
World No. 4 Coco Gauff’s former coach, Gilbert, asked Andreescu what she thought of Mboko as a player. Additionally, he asked the 25-year-old Canadian how Mboko’s journey has impacted her, given that Andreescu also found success on tour and at the US Open at a similar age to the rising teen. Andreescu defeated Serena Williams in the 2019 US Open final.
“Yeah, she’s great. Obviously, she’s an incredible tennis player. And she’s achieved so much already. But she’s just such a great person. She’s very warm and welcoming. She says hi to everybody. And I played doubles with her in Tokyo, I believe. And it was great,” Andreescu said.
“Her serve is amazing. I was able to easily punch my volleys. But no, she’s great. She has that fearless mentality, a great serve, and a hard hitter. She takes the ball super early. I mean, she can dominate for many, many years,” she added.
Bianca Andreescu Exits While Victoria Mboko To Begin Her Indian Wells 2026 Campaign
Andreescu has had a lackluster start to her 2026 season, missing the entire Australian swing, including the Australian Open, as well as the Middle East swing, due to an injury. The Canadian played her first tournament of the season at the ATX Open but lost to Dalma Galfi in the round of 32.
Andreescu’s fortunes didn’t change at Indian Wells either, as she lost her opening match to Kamilla Rakhimova on Wednesday, exiting the prestigious WTA 1000 event early. In contrast, 10th-seeded Mboko received a bye in her first-round match on Wednesday and will face Kimberly Birrell on Friday.
In addition to singles, Mboko will also be featuring in the women’s doubles alongside Mirra Andreeva, with their round 1 match scheduled later on Friday.
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