Mboko overcomes slow second-set start to oust McNally in Melbourne
Victoria Mboko continued her meteoric rise on the Grand Slam stage on Wednesday, defeating American Caty McNally 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the third round of the Australian Open. The 19-year-old Canadian, currently ranked at a career-high world No. 17, demonstrated both her tactical skill and her trademark resilience, particularly in a second set that … Continued
VICTORIA MBOKO, Australian swing 2026 | © Zuma / PsNewsz
Victoria Mboko continued her meteoric rise on the Grand Slam stage on Wednesday, defeating American Caty McNally 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the third round of the Australian Open. The 19-year-old Canadian, currently ranked at a career-high world No. 17, demonstrated both her tactical skill and her trademark resilience, particularly in a second set that threatened to spiral away from her.
After taking a controlled opening set, the 17th-seeded Mboko faced her first real test of the match when she fell into a 0-3 deficit at the start of the second. However, “Vicky” showed the poise of a seasoned veteran, reeling off six of the next seven games to seal the victory in straight sets. The win highlights her remarkable consistency; she has now won 14 of her last 16 matches, a stretch that includes her recent run to the final of the Adelaide International.
This victory marks the second time in Mboko’s career that she has reached the third round of a major, following her breakout performance at Roland-Garros in 2025. Her transition from a standout junior to a top-20 mainstay has been seamless, largely due to a baseline game that balances raw power with the ability to problem-solve under pressure.
Mboko’s path in Melbourne now leads to the round of 32, as she remains on course to potentially challenge the top seeds in the second week. Having started 2025 outside the world’s top 300, the Toronto native’s current form suggests she is no longer just a “prodigy” but a genuine contender for the title.
