Victoria Mboko holds her nerve to defeat Tauson in Australia, set up potential Sabalenka clash

Victoria Mboko reached the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career after defeating World No. 14 Clara Tauson in a hard-fought encounter at the Australian Open. The Canadian teenager prevailed 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-3 and now awaits a potential fourth-round showdown against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

The rising star continues to impress with her outstanding form, having now recorded 13 wins in her last 15 matches. This is Mboko’s first appearance at the Australian Open and only her fourth main-draw participation at a Grand Slam, yet she has already reached the Round of 16 at this level for the first time.

Expectations around Mboko were high from the very start of the tournament, but this match marked her first real test against a top-ranked opponent. Tauson had been closely involved in the battle for a place inside the Top 10 in recent months and provided strong resistance throughout the match. However, Mboko proved superior in the decisive moments, capitalising on key opportunities and holding her nerve under pressure.

From the opening games, Mboko looked more convincing on serve, landing 71% of her first serves and winning 70% of those points. Tauson, meanwhile, was below her usual serving standards, managing just 56% of first serves in play, although she still won 65% of them.

It took Mboko only a few minutes to secure a break in the third game, and she confidently held serve to build momentum. The Canadian moved ahead 4-2 before Tauson mounted a comeback, winning three consecutive games and shifting the pressure firmly onto her opponent.

From 4-4 onwards, both players held serve comfortably and the set was decided in a tie-break. Mboko managed an early advantage and closed out the set at the first opportunity, sealing it 7-6(5) with a mini-break on the final point. She finished the set with 18 winners, compared to 11 from Tauson.

While the opening set was tightly contested, Mboko had edged ahead on the finer details. In the second set, however, Tauson struck first, earning an early break and using her serve to move ahead 2-0. The Dane’s lead did not last long, as Mboko responded quickly, breaking back to level the score at 2-2.

Both players held serve game by game until the most tense phase of the match arrived. Serving at 3-4, Tauson saved a couple of break points, but a missed cross-court forehand eventually handed the break to Mboko.

The 19-year-old Canadian then served for the match at 5-3, while a visibly frustrated Tauson exchanged words with her coach. Refusing to give up, the Dane took risks on her returns and broke back immediately, restoring parity in a matter of minutes.

Tauson then served to level the match, but the pressure was evident. Service problems and unforced errors handed Mboko multiple match points, which the Canadian was unable to convert. That miss proved costly, as Tauson seized the momentum: she saved three match points, levelled the score, and immediately struck back with a break, capitalising on her opponent’s errors. The Dane went from the brink of defeat to holding the advantage to close out the set, and she took her opportunity on serve, winning four consecutive games to claim the second set 7-5.

The third set began in the same pattern as the end of the previous set, with both players exchanging early breaks: first Tauson took the lead, then Mboko responded to level at 1-1. The Canadian showed greater mental strength in the final set, displaying more personality in going for her points and especially capitalising on her opponent’s second serves.

Mboko improved her serving and secured two consecutive breaks — four games in a row for the teenager — moving ahead 4-1 and putting herself in an excellent position to close out the win. This time there were no late reactions from Tauson, no nervous lapses, as Mboko held her serve confidently and finished the match 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-3.