Victoria Mboko was unable to continue her momentum after suffering a first round exit at the US Open.
Mboko won the Canadian Open in stunning fashion a few weeks ago, and had made a huge climb up the WTA rankings to be seeded for the US Open.
As a result of her sudden rise in 2025, people were talking about Mboko as a contender for the US Open title.
However, things did not play out that way, with Mboko suffering a first round exit to two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Despite the disappointment of losing in the first round of the US Open, Mboko was handed some words of wisdom from Venus Williams.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesWhat Venus Williams told Victoria Mboko after her first round defeat at the US Open
Mboko was beaten by Krejcikova, 6-3 6-2, as she lost her main draw debut match at the US Open.
On this same day, Williams also lost to Karolina Muchova, but it has been reported that she still had some words of wisdom for the Canadian teenager.
“You’re going to have days like this, but they don’t define you,” Williams reportedly told Mboko after her defeat. “You’ve already shown the world what you’re capable of. This is just one match, one moment.
“Keep your head up, keep working, and trust that your time is coming. You’re already doing things most players only dream of at your age.
“Every loss is a lesson. Take what you can from this, figure out what you need to adjust, and come back stronger. You’ve got the game to go far.”
Victoria Mboko shares how Venus Williams words of encouragement after her defeat to Barbora Krejcikova will stay with her forever. What an icon Venus is. pic.twitter.com/FgTnQFmxaH
— Venus & CoCo Fandom (@Vee_Co_Fandom) August 26, 2025
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Venus Williams praised by tennis fans for what she told Victoria Mboko
Williams is still one of the most popular players in tennis, having played on the WTA Tour since 1994, and is someone that many look up to.
After seeing what Williams allegedly told Mboko behind the scenes, tennis fans were full of admiration for the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion.
One person wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Thanks for sharing, and thanks to Venus for supporting our young Canadian! I’m sure it is huge for Victoria Mboko. She will be able to remember this message in difficult times.”
Thanks for sharing, and thanks to Venus for supporting our young Canadian! I’m sure it is huge for Victoria Mboko. She will be able to remember this message in difficult times.
— Jennifer (@Fit_Read_Dance) August 26, 2025
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Someone else added a similar sentiment, “Not surprised..Vee is one of the most generous, intelligent people..game is fortunate to have such an icon so accessible even to our rising stars like Mboko.”
Not surprised..Vee is one of the most generous, intelligent people..game is fortunate to have such an icon so accessible even to our rising stars like Mboko.
— Andrea Leand (@Acleand10) August 26, 2025
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Despite Williams being a very popular player on tour, some people have called for the 45-year-old to stop competing.
However, to others this interaction with Mboko has shown why it is so important to still have her around.
They wrote, “This is exactly why Venus needs to play professional tennis for as long as she damn wants. She’s an icon, a mentor, and still an f****** good tennis player.”
The praise for Williams continued on social media, as fans heaped the former world number one with compliments.
“Wise words of a legend.”
“That’s so nice of @Venuseswilliams.”
Mboko will now take some time to reflect on her US Open exit, but Williams is not finished yet in New York.
Williams has signed up for the women’s doubles draw alongside former US Open singles finalist Leylah Fernandez.