Sabalenka Survives Epic Scare, Sets Sights on Teen Rival Mboko in Melbourne
MELBOURNE, 25 January 2026 – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has booked her place in the Australian Open fourth round, but not before navigating a nerve-shredding thriller against Anastasia Potapova. The two-time champion now faces a new challenge in the form of rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko as she continues her quest for a third Melbourne crown.
A Fight for the Ages
Top-seeded Sabalenka was pushed to her absolute limits in a gripping third-round encounter on Friday, eventually overcoming a determined Anastasia Potapova 7-6(4), 7-6(7) in just over two hours. The match was a rollercoaster, with Sabalenka failing to convert three set points at 6-5 in the opener before clinching the tiebreaker.
The drama intensified in the second set. After racing to a 4-0 lead, Sabalenka saw her advantage evaporate as Potapova roared back to force another tiebreaker. The Austrian then held four set points at 6-3 and 7-6, but Sabalenka displayed champion’s resolve, saving all four before finally converting her own match point.
“She played incredible tennis. I was always on the back foot,” a relieved Sabalenka said in her on-court interview. “There are days where you just have to fight and… it was such a fight. I was trying to figure out how to connect my body. It seemed like my brain was somewhere else, my arms were going one direction!”
Contrasting Route to the Second Week
The tense victory stood in stark contrast to Sabalenka’s dominant second-round performance. Two days prior, she dismantled Chinese qualifier Zhuoxuan Bai 6-3, 6-1 in 72 minutes, showcasing the power and precision that has made her nearly unbeatable on Melbourne’s hard courts in recent years.
That win extended her remarkable record at the Australian Open to 22 victories in her last 23 matches at the season’s opening Grand Slam, a run that includes title triumphs in 2023 and 2024.
The Next Challenge: Victoria Mboko
Awaiting Sabalenka in the round of 16 is 17th-seeded Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko. The 19-year-old announced herself on the big stage by winning the Canadian Open Masters 1000 title last year and has continued her rise in Melbourne, defeating 14th seed Clara Tauson in a three-set battle to reach her first Grand Slam fourth round.
Sabalenka, who has studied the youngster’s game, is under no illusions about the task ahead. “She’s a fighter. She’s playing really good, aggressive tennis,” Sabalenka said of her next opponent. Mboko, for her part, has embraced the challenge, stating she is “really happy” to be in Melbourne and will look to “show what I’m capable of” against the world’s best.
Key Facts: Aryna Sabalenka
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| World Ranking | No. 1 (Singles) |
| Age & Height | 27 years, 183 cm |
| Australian Open Best | Champion (2023, 2024), Runner-up (2025) |
| Career Grand Slam Titles | 4 (2 Australian Open, 2 US Open) |
| 2026 Win-Loss Record | 8-0 (Including Brisbane title) |
| Next Opponent | Victoria Mboko (CAN) [17] – Fourth Round |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Aryna Sabalenka won the Australian Open?
Aryna Sabalenka has won the Australian Open women’s singles title twice, achieving back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024. She was also the runner-up in 2025, losing to Madison Keys.
Who will Aryna Sabalenka play next at the 2026 Australian Open?
Sabalenka’s next match is in the fourth round (round of 16) against 17th-seeded Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko. The match is scheduled for Sunday 25 January.
What is Sabalenka’s recent record like at Melbourne Park?
Sabalenka has been dominant in Melbourne. Coming into the 2026 tournament, she had won 21 of her last 22 matches at the Australian Open. Her victories this week extend that formidable record.
Has Sabalenka ever played Victoria Mboko before?
No. The fourth-round clash will be the first-ever professional meeting between Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Mboko.