Victoria Mboko continues her winning streak at the Australian Open and reaches the third round in Melbourne for the first time. The 19-year-old easily overcame Caty McNally and secured her spot in the Round of 32, where she will wait for a match against the winner between Clara Tauson and Polina Kudermetova.
For the Canadian, once again the favoritism was on her side, especially after a great start to the year in which she reached the final in Brisbane International. This time in Melbourne – just her debut in the tournament – she already won in straight sets, first against Emerson Jones (WC) and this time against American Caty McNally.
The teenager knew how to manage the advantage from the beginning, and never had major problems against the American. Mboko also continues securing her growth in the ranking and is positioned as No. 13 – less than 500 points away from the top-10, which is currently closed by Ekaterina Alexandrova – eliminated in the first round in Melbourne, opening the possibility for several names to fight for that spot in case of a deep run, including Mboko herself.
Set 1: Mboko shows consistency and control
One of Mboko’s characteristics in her first steps on the Tour has been finding consistency in her serve and her great ability to extend long rallies and compete in power with the best in the world. The Canadian showed this time that she feels comfortable when she has to take the lead in the match and take the initiative, against a rival who was always one step behind the Canadian.
The world No. 16 got a break around the 4th game and moved ahead 3-1, although McNally quickly responded and managed to break back in the next game. Things remained equal until 4-4, but Mboko was more decisive in the final part of the set, and with a timely break finished the first set in her favor 6-4.
The Canadian had won a notable 73% of points on her first serve – surpassing McNally’s 62% – and on second serve she obtained 64% effectiveness, far above McNally’s poor 36%, whose constant net approaches were of little use to close points.
Set 2: Mboko overcomes early deficit
In the second set, Mboko lost consistency on serve, but her good return game always kept her ahead. Two consecutive breaks at the start put McNally up 3-0, but she did not know how to manage the advantage. Mboko, who never gave up the set, recovered emotionally and won six games in a row before closing the victory 6-4, 6-3.
Although in the second set she experienced moments of doubt, the teenager came through, converting 3/6 break opportunities and with a total of 10 winners in the set.
In the third round, she will wait to face the winner between Polina Kudermetova and world No. 14 Clara Tauson – another player directly in the fight to reach the top-10 and who could be a direct battle in the search to approach the dominant group of the WTA Tour.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
