World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has stormed into the Australian Open quarter-finals with a commanding straight-sets victory over rising star Victoria Mboko at Melbourne Park. The Belarusian powerhouse secured her spot in the next round with a 6-1, 7-6 (6-1) triumph on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday afternoon, demonstrating why she remains the player to beat in the tournament.
Dominant Start and Resilient Response
Sabalenka blitzed through the opening set in a mere 31 minutes, firing three aces and leaving the 17th-seeded Canadian struggling to find her rhythm. However, the match took an intriguing turn in the second set as Mboko, facing potential humiliation after dropping the first set 6-1 and trailing 4-1, mounted a spirited comeback.
The resilient teenager saved three match points when Sabalenka led 5-4, breaking serve and forcing the set into a tense tiebreaker. This fightback highlighted Mboko's growing reputation as a formidable opponent on the WTA Tour.
Tiebreak Queen Reigns Supreme
Known as the tiebreak queen, Sabalenka showcased her mental fortitude by racing through the decisive tiebreak. She brought up six match points against her younger opponent, and while Mboko managed to save one, Sabalenka's superior talent ultimately prevailed as she closed out the match on the very next point.
In her post-match interview, Sabalenka acknowledged Mboko's impressive performance, stating the win was far from straightforward. "What an incredible player for such a young age," the 27-year-old champion remarked. "She pushed me really hard. She played incredible tennis, she pushed me today."
Sabalenka's Tiebreak Philosophy
Having not lost a Grand Slam tiebreak since 2023, extending her streak to 20 consecutive tiebreak victories, Sabalenka revealed her simple yet effective approach. "I just go into the tie breaks I try not to think that this is a tiebreak, I play point by point and I guess that's the key to this consistency," she explained to interviewer Casey Dellacqua.
She humorously added that media attention on her tiebreak record might actually work in her favour by putting pressure on opponents.
Looking Ahead to Scorching Conditions
With the weather forecast predicting a top of 43 degrees Celsius for her next match on Tuesday, Sabalenka emphasised the importance of recovery. The two-time Australian Open champion, aiming for her third title in four years, noted that managing the extreme heat will be crucial for her longevity and success in the tournament.
"The weather has been crazy... I'll be practicing indoors. At my age, the recovery is more important than the hard work throughout the tournament," Sabalenka stated, highlighting the strategic adjustments required in Melbourne's challenging conditions.
Mboko's Encouraging Debut
Despite the loss, Victoria Mboko earned widespread respect for her performance in what was her first encounter with a world No.1 and her debut on the prestigious Rod Laver Arena. The Canadian teenager demonstrated she is a force to be reckoned with, putting up a valiant fight against the reigning 2023 and 2024 Australian Open champion without losing any supporters in the process.
Mixed Doubles Action
In other Australian Open news, reigning mixed doubles champions Olivia Gadecki and John Peers began their title defence with a hard-fought three-set victory. The Australian duo overcame Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Laura Siegemund 6-3, 3-6, 10-5 in a match that showcased the depth of talent in the doubles competitions at Melbourne Park.
