Victoria Mboko is set for a tantalising fourth round match with world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open.
Mboko has been impressive in 2026 and that’s translated to the Melbourne tournament, where she has beaten Clara Tauson, Caty McNally, and Emerson Jones.
The Canadian has only dropped one set in her first three matches and she will provide a big test for Sabalenka.
In her fourth round match, Mboko will achieve something she has never previously done before in her career.
Victoria Mboko will make career history against Aryna Sabalenka
Mboko has never reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam before, but that is not the only piece of history she will reach against Sabalenka.
The Canadian will play her first-ever match on a Grand Slam main court when she faces Sabalenka, as her match is scheduled for the Rod Laver Arena.
Speaking about her landmark on court after her win against Tauson, she said: “I think it’s awesome. I’ve never played her before, and it’ll be a totally different experience.
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“We’ll be on Rod Laver Arena. I’ve never played the center court at a Grand Slam either. So many firsts! I’m super excited.
“Few people get to have this kind of experience, and doing it on Sunday is just incredible. I’m going to show what I’m capable of.”
Mboko has already reached a career ranking high of world number 13 after her displays at the Australian Open.
Victoria Mboko’s brilliant start to 2026
Mboko’s season in 2025 ended in style with her Hong Kong Open win and she continued her form into 2026.
The star picked up four victories as she reached the final of the Adelaide International before the Australian Open.
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Mboko lost to Mirra Andreeva in the final, but she has now won eight of her first 11 matches of the WTA Tour season.
If she continues her fine form in 2026, the Canadian will likely crack the top 10 before the clay court season in May.
