Victoria Mboko has reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, going one better than her previous best Grand Slam showing at Roland Garros last year.
The Canadian, who had a breakout year on the WTA Tour in 2025, sealed her spot by winning a decisive third set against Clara Tauson.
Her next opponent is world number one Aryna Sabalenka, a player she has never faced before. Sabalenka is aiming for her third Australian Open title and has not dropped a set so far in Melbourne.
Mboko spoke about how she is feeling ahead of what might be the biggest match of her career.
Victoria Mboko looks ahead to facing Aryna Sabalenka
Speaking in a press conference, Mboko shared her thoughts on the match-up: “Yeah, I think it’s super cool.
“I’ve never played a current No. 1 in the world. That’s going to be a very different experience.
“I assume we’d be playing on Rod Laver, as well. I’ve never played on a Grand Slam centre court either. A lot of firsts.
“I’m just really excited. It’s something not many people get to experience. To be doing that on Sunday is, I think, really cool. Just to show what I got.”
How Victoria Mboko has performed at the Australian Open so far
Just two days after falling short in the Adelaide International final to Mirra Andreeva, Mboko began her Australian Open campaign.
The 18-year-old made a quick turnaround from that defeat, starting with a win over Emerson Jones in the first round.
Mboko then continued her good form, taking down Caty McNally in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) to match her best finish at a major.
Now she has the opportunity to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final when she faces Sabalenka next.
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