Vicky Mboko: "I Don't Believe in Setting Goals"

Vicky Mboko joins The Changeover Podcast for a fun and insightful conversation. At just 19 years old and already Top 10 in the world, Vicky opens up about her mindset, her rapid rise, and why she believes goal setting might actually be limiting you. We dive into her biggest wins in Montreal over players like Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Naomi Osaka, what it felt like facing Aryna Sabalenka for the first time, and the mentality that drives her to compete at the highest level.

This episode goes way beyond tennis. From pressure growing up, family dynamics, and rivalries, to social media, identity, and life outside the sport.

🎾 Welcome to The Changeover Podcast 🎾
Ever wondered what life is really like as a professional tennis player? On The Changeover, hosts Jody Maginley and Justin Roberts take you behind the scenes of the tour—sharing insights on training, weekly progress, the grind of climbing the rankings, and conversations with players living it every day.

💬 Drop your questions in the comments and follow us on social media to stay connected with the podcast and the journey!

👉 Listen &

Patreon: patreon.com/cw/TheChangeover
Instagram: instagram.com/changeoverpodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@changeoverpodcast
Twitter: twitter.com/changeoverpcast
Facebook: facebook.com/changeoverpcast

🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:

YouTube: youtube.com/@changeoverpodcast
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3Z3w24mRuRiw25CZzVO0xI
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-changeover/id1680987347

👕 Merch:
031055-2.myshopify.com

💡 Support the show via Venmo:
venmo.com/code

🎶 Intro audio by DJ Quest

00:00 Intro
00:39 Fear of Spiders
02:40 Toronto vs Montreal
03:58 Who did Vicky Look Up to Growing Up?
05:29 Taking Inspiration from Alcaraz & Sinner
06:08 African Parent School Pressure
06:58 Family Dynamic
09:54 Friendship & Rivalry with Andreeva
12:50 Vicky’s Pre-Match Routine
13:57 Chasing the GOATS or Forging Her Own Path?
15:08 Montreal Title Run - Coco, Rybakina, Osaka
18:17 Playing Coco Gauff
19:15 Familiarity with the Tournament Site
19:44 Montreal is Freezing
21:01 Playing Aryna Sabalenka
22:47 Aura & Intimidation on WTA Tour
24:35 Vicky’s Music Taste & Toronto Accent
25:29 Vicky Hates Losing
26:33 Anything the Junior Tour Doesn’t Prepare You For?
27:24 Did Anybody Welcome Vicky on Tour?
28:08 On-court Coaching
30:25 Post Match Celebration
31:38 Locker Room Power & Reputation
32:30 Goal Setting is Overrated
35:10 Superstitious?
37:42 Vicky Mboko on Her Racket Specs
38:50 Wilson 360 - Asics vs Wilson Shoes
39:56 Throwback Drake Songs
41:38 Interests Outside of Tennis?
42:43 TikTok & AI
44:31 Instagram Use Has Changed
47:57 Eva Lys on Social Media Criticism
49:56 Patreon Question - Nicaise Muamba
53:00 Trivia
58:32 Vicky Wants Alex Eala on the Show