Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Australian Open quarterfinals with a commanding straight-set victory over Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, setting up a clash with another rising star, Iva Jovic. Sabalenka, aiming for her third Australian Open title in four years, showcased her power and resilience in a 6-1, 7-6(1) win that underscores her status as a tournament favorite.
Sabalenka dominated the first set in just 31 minutes, leveraging a high-powered serve that produced three aces and kept Mboko on the defensive. The Belarusian’s aggressive baseline play allowed her to roll through the opening frame with minimal resistance, highlighting her form and confidence on the Melbourne hard courts. However, the second set proved more challenging as the 19-year-old Mboko found her rhythm and began to push back.
Despite leading 4-1 in the second set, Sabalenka faced a surge from Mboko, who saved three match points at 5-4 and forced a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, Sabalenka’s experience and composure shone through as she won seven of eight points to secure the match, marking her 20th consecutive tiebreak victory on the WTA Tour. Post-match, Sabalenka praised Mboko’s talent and tenacity, acknowledging the difficulty of playing against such a promising young opponent.
The victory sets up a quarterfinal encounter with 18-year-old Iva Jovic, who stormed into her first Grand Slam quarterfinal with a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Yulia Putintseva. Jovic, seeded 29th, has been receiving guidance from Novak Djokovic during the tournament and expressed excitement about facing the world No. 1. Sabalenka, aware of the challenge, noted the increasing depth of young talent on the tour but remained focused on her own game.
This win marks Sabalenka’s eighth consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal, a testament to her consistency at the highest level. She has won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, finished as runner-up in 2025, and also holds two U.S. Open titles, solidifying her reputation as one of the sport’s elite players. Her ability to perform under pressure, particularly in tiebreaks, has become a hallmark of her recent success.
The match was part of a busy Sunday at Rod Laver Arena, where other top seeds like Coco Gauff also advanced to the quarterfinals. Sabalenka’s path to the title now involves navigating a draw filled with both established stars and emerging contenders, including potential semifinal matchups with Gauff or others. Her next match against Jovic will test her ability to handle the power and unpredictability of a younger generation.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka emphasized the importance of staying focused point-by-point and adapting to conditions, such as the morning sun that affected her serve against Mboko. With her aggressive style and mental toughness, she remains a formidable force as she pursues a third Australian Open crown and further cements her legacy in women’s tennis.
