Australian Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka Pips Victoria Mboko To Storm Into Quarterfinals
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka halted the remarkable run of Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko in the fourth round of the 2026 Australian Open, claiming a 6–1, 7–6 (1) win. The two-time champion dominated the first set in just 34 minutes, overpowering the 17th-seeded newcomer with her sheer firepower and six aces. Mboko, however, showed the resilience that has marked her tournament, rallying from a 4–1 deficit in the second set to push it to a tiebreak. In the end, Sabalenka’s experience made the difference.
Aryna Sabalenka, left, of Belarus is congratulated by Victoria Mboko, right, of Canada following their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her fourth round match against Victoria Mboko of Canada at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Victoria Mboko of Canada plays a forehand return to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Victoria Mboko of Canada during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Victoria Mboko of Canada plays a backhand return to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Victoria Mboko of Canada during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Victoria Mboko of Canada plays a forehand return to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus kicks the ball during her fourth round match against Victoria Mboko of Canada at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Victoria Mboko of Canada plays a backhand return to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
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