Australian Open 2026: Victoria Mboko keeps dream debut going with thrilling three-set win

Victoria Mboko is into the fourth round of the women’s singles at the 2026 Australian Open, surpassing her best-ever run at a tennis Grand Slam on Friday (23 January).

The 19-year-old saw off stiff competition in Clara Tauson, 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-3, to win at the John Cain Arena.

It was arguably the Canadian’s toughest test in Melbourne so far, a momentum-swinging match that required both players to be at their very best.

Tauson held serve to take the first game in the opening set, but Mboko pushed ahead to take control at 4-2.

A remarkable turnaround from the Danish star saw her edge in front, but a similar comeback from the 17th seed resulted in an intense tiebreaker.

Gruelling baseline rallies dictated the set decider, and it was Mboko who came out on top with her patience and shot placement prevailing.

But Tauson began set two with intent, breaking and holding serve to establish an early lead, only for the tide to change in favour of the teenager competitor once more. Mboko took full advantage of unforced errors with the pressure mounting on the former.

With her place in the tournament on the line, the Danish player stormed her way back into the contest by getting the better of lengthy rallies, ultimately seeing out the final game to turn this match into a three-set thriller.

Australian Open 2026: All results, full set scores

However, the third set brought out the best in Mboko, as she won three consecutive games to put her in cruise control at 4-1.

Even with Tauson pulling two games back, the young Canadian held her nerve throughout with her trademark power and precision proving the difference.

“I think it was just self-belief at the end,” Mboko said of pushing on to clinch the third set. “I had so many chances in the second set, but I have to give credit where it is due.

“[Tauson] was playing incredible tennis, so I just had to lock in, in the important moments.

“This is my first time here so I’m really happy to have made it to the fourth round.”

Mboko, who has dropped just one set in her Australian Open debut at this stage, will face top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round.

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