Sabalenka grała z Mboko o ćwierćfinał Australian Open. Koniec po dwóch setach

The second week of competition in the main draw of the Australian Open 2026 has begun, and the very first Sunday match on Rod Laver Arena immediately attracted plenty of attention. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced the highly promising Victoria Mboko, with a place in the quarterfinals of the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne at stake. Although the opening stages suggested a one-sided affair, the match grew increasingly interesting as it progressed. The final outcome was decided after 86 minutes of play.

Sabalenka had not dropped a single set either at the Australian Open 2026 or throughout the entire season. Her impressive streak nearly came to an end in the third round, however, when she faced Anastasia Potapova. The WTA rankings leader had to reach her highest level, as her opponent played boldly and forced tie-breaks in both sets. In the second set, Potapova even came back from 0–4, and in the decisive tie-break she held four set points. Ultimately, though, the tournament’s top seed kept her composure, winning 7–6(4), 7–6(7) and securing a place in the last 16.

In the fourth round, the Belarusian met 19-year-old Victoria Mboko for the first time. The Canadian is considered one of the biggest revelations of recent months, having won the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal last season. In Melbourne, she reached this stage after a hard-fought three-set victory over Clara Tauson. For Mboko, it was her first-ever encounter with the world No. 1. On paper, the matchup promised plenty of excitement, but initially the reality on court told a different story.

Sabalenka opened the match on serve and was tested straight away. Mboko earned two break points thanks to spectacular returns—one down the line and one cross-court. The WTA leader managed to escape the danger and hold serve. The next games largely followed the servers’ lead until the fourth game, when the Canadian ran into serious trouble for the first time. Sabalenka capitalized ruthlessly, breaking her opponent to love, and soon after built a 3–1 lead.

After the change of ends, Mboko’s situation became even more difficult. Serving at 40–15, she failed to close out the game, allowing Sabalenka back to deuce before the top seed struck with a decisive winner. Moments later, Sabalenka held a double-break advantage and comfortably closed out the opening set on her own serve, winning it 6–1 without dropping a single point.

The second set began with continued dominance from Sabalenka. She broke Mboko to love once again and confirmed the advantage to go up 2–0. The Canadian finally halted a run of seven consecutive lost games in the third game, getting her name back on the scoreboard. It proved only a brief respite, however, as the tournament favorite quickly regained control and, after another break, led 4–1.

Then came an unexpected twist. Sabalenka momentarily lost her focus, while Mboko visibly relaxed and raised her level. The Canadian recovered one break and then held serve from 0–30. For the first time in a while, the pressure shifted toward the world No. 1. Sabalenka responded in her trademark style, restoring a two-game cushion.

The tension peaked in the tenth game. Sabalenka held two match points but failed to convert them. Moments later, Mboko earned break points and capitalized, leveling the score at 5–5. The 19-year-old gained momentum and guaranteed herself at least a tie-break. She even fought for another break in the twelfth game, but Sabalenka survived a series of deuces and forced the decisive breaker.

The tie-break was a display of experience and authority from the world No. 1. Sabalenka played flawlessly, leaving her opponent with little chance. After 86 minutes, she sealed a 6–1, 7–6(1) victory and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2026, where she will face either Iva Jović or Yulia Putintseva.