She’s no stranger to the bright lights of this tournament, having already lifted the trophy twice, in 2023 and 2024. And there’s plenty of talk that she could do it again.
Now ranked number one in the world, Sabalenka has added a US Open crown to her resume since then and seems hungry for more.
Victoria Mboko gave Sabalenka a real test, especially in that second set. But when it mattered most, Sabalenka found another gear and pulled through 6-1, 7-6(7-1).
Victoria Mboko reflects on Grand Slam debut loss to Sabalenka
World number 16 Mboko, who captured the Canadian Open title last season, has shared her thoughts following her exit from the tournament.
“It was a pretty nice experience being it my first time on the center court playing against world number one,” she said. “Yeah, I think at the end of the day it really came down to experience.
“She played really great tennis. I of course had my chances. But I’m glad to have played her today and just seeing how she can play and what to expect. So just a learning curve from now on.”
Aryna Sabalenka’s Serve Proved Too Much for Victoria Mboko to Handle
Mboko was also asked about her tendency to rally back after dropping the first set against top players, and whether there was anything different about Sabalenka’s approach that prevented it this time.
“Yeah, I’ve been in so many situations where sometimes I’ll have a slower start,” she said. “She played really great tennis in the first set, serving well, great ball striking. I think I started to get used to her I’d say pattern of play in a way or like her pace of the ball and just tried to run with it.
“Trying to find my rhythm as the match went on also was important for me. Yeah, I was pretty close in the second set.”
The Canadian had some thoughts on what made Sabalenka such a tough opponent: “She was serving really well. It was difficult to return her balls. And yeah, I mean, she upped her level at the end of the day.”
When asked if she had another tactical plan when things weren’t going as hoped against Sabalenka, Mboko replied: “Yeah, I mean, she’s a very aggressive player. I think she’s known for that.
“So I guess I wouldn’t say there’s a Plan B for me because if I was more defensive and tried to put balls on the court, I don’t think that was also an option because she likes to step in and take control.
Sabalenka will now face another young talent in 18-year-old Jovic in the quarterfinals. Interestingly enough they share some similarities.
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