Sabalenka’s Melbourne Charge Continues with Gutsy Win

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, top seed Aryna Sabalenka booked her spot in the Australian Open quarterfinals with a hard-fought 6-1, 7-6 (1) victory over the talented Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko on Rod Laver Arena. The win, which showcased both her immense power and growing mental fortitude, keeps her bid for a third Australian Open title in four years firmly on track.

The match began with vintage Sabalenka, who stormed through the first set in just 31 minutes. Her blistering serves and aggressive groundstrokes overwhelmed the 19-year-old Mboko, making it seem like a swift, one-sided affair was in the cards. Sabalenka, a two-time champion in Melbourne, has been dominant throughout the tournament, having yet to drop a set in her 2026 campaign.

However, the second set provided a significant test of her resilience. After taking a commanding 4-1 lead and even holding three match points at 5-4, the world No. 1 saw the determined Mboko fight back, breaking serve and pushing the set to a tiebreak. It was in this high-pressure moment that Sabalenka’s experience shone through. She dominated the tiebreak 7-1, impressively winning her 20th consecutive Grand Slam tiebreak, a remarkable feat that ties a record held by Novak Djokovic for the most consecutive tiebreaks won at a major.

“She pushed me really hard today,” a relieved Sabalenka commented during her on-court interview. “I’m super happy that I was able to close this match in straight sets”.

The victory sets up an intriguing quarterfinal clash against the equally impressive 18-year-old American Iva Jović. Sabalenka’s ability to navigate tricky situations and close out matches in straight sets, even when momentum shifts, highlights the mental evolution that has made her a formidable force in women’s tennis. Fans can expect another exciting match as she continues her quest for Grand Slam glory. The Australian Open results can be followed on the Australian Open official website or ESPN.