Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Mboko set for blockbuster fourth round clash after hard fought victories
World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka extended her remarkable Melbourne winning streak to 23 matches with a hard-fought 7-6(4), 7-6(7) victory over Anastasia Potapova, setting up a highly anticipated fourth-round clash with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, who reached her maiden Grand Slam second week by outlasting 14th seed Clara Tauson 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-3.
Aryna Sabalenka, Australian Open 2026 | © Imago / PsNewz
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka overcame a stern test from Anastasia Potapova 7-6(4), 7-6(7) to reach her sixth consecutive Australian Open second week, setting up a first career meeting with 19-year-old sensation Victoria Mboko, who defeated 14th seed Clara Tauson 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-3.
Sabalenka survives Potapova tiebreak battle
The world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka extended her dominant run at Melbourne Park on Friday night, though she was forced to dig deep against a resilient Anastasia Potapova. The 27-year-old Belarusian, who has now won 23 of her last 24 matches at the Australian Open and remains unbeaten in 2026 with an 8-0 record, appeared to be in total control after racing to a 4-0 lead in the second set.
However, the world No 54 Potapova refused to go quietly, clawing back to force a second tiebreak. Sabalenka had to save four set points before the top seed finally sealed the win in an hour and 55 minutes.
Reflecting on the intensity of the match during her on-court interview, Sabalenka admitted that she had to find a way through a difficult emotional performance. “She played incredible tennis. I was always on the back foot. To be honest there’s days when you have to be there and you have to fight and try your best to put the ball back on that side. I don’t know what was the key. I think even though emotionally I was all over the place I was still able to fight for every point. Against Anastasia it’s something really important that you always focus, you’re always there, you’re always fighting. I’m super happy that I was able to get this win. It was such a fight. I really enjoyed it,” Sabalenka said.
Mboko reaches maiden slam second week
On the adjacent court, Victoria Mboko continued her meteoric rise by securing her place in a Grand Slam fourth round for the first time in her career. The 19-year-old Canadian, seeded No 17, demonstrated poise beyond her years to outlast the No 14 seed Clara Tauson in a grueling three-set tussle.
Mboko appeared to have the match in hand when leading 7-6, 5-3 with three match points in the second set, but the Danish star fought back to force a decider. The teenager recovered her composure in the final set, utilizing her superior movement and power to close out the biggest win of her career.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Mboko, who has now won 15 of her last 17 matches dating back to her late-season title run in 2025. When asked how she managed to navigate the pressure after the missed opportunities in the second set, the Canadian credited her mental toughness.
“I think it was just self belief at the end. I had so many chances in the 2nd set. But I’ve gotta give credit where it’s due. She was playing incredible tennis. I just had to lock in on the important moments. This is my first time here so I’m really happy to have gotten to the 4th round,” Mboko said.
The upcoming clash between the two-time defending champion and the reigning WTA Newcomer of the Year promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament. While Sabalenka represents the gold standard of power and experience in Melbourne, Mboko’s athleticism and rapid development since winning the Montreal title last year have established her as one of the few players capable of challenging the world No 1’s dominance.
