Having the time of her life on her Australian Open debut, teen sensation Victoria Mboko has set up a dream fourth-round clash with world No.1 and two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Later on Friday, world No.3 Coco Gauff overcame a scare from fellow American Hailey Baptiste to scrape into the last 16 in three sets, teeing up a clash with 19th seed Karolina Muchova, who beat Magda Linette 6-1 6-1.
Victoria Mboko of Canada waves after defeating Clara Tauson of Denmark.Credit: AP
Canadian young gun Mboko, 19, had to overcome a stern test in Danish 14th seed Clara Tauson – including letting three match points slip in the second set – before prevailing 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 6-3 on John Cain Arena.
In the process, 17th seed Mboko, who won the Canadian Open Masters 1000 title last year and made the Adelaide International final, reached the fourth round at Melbourne Park – her best result at a slam.
“I think it was just self belief at the end,” Mboko said.
“I had so many chances in the second set but I’ve got to give credit where it’s due, she 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 go through to the fourth round.
“You’re in Australia, it’s warm, it’s not so warm back home, so it’s nice to be here right now.”
Mboko – one of five teenagers to reach the third round – said it would be “super cool” to face Sabalenka for the first time.
The world No.1 overcame a fierce challenge from Anastasia Potapova before her class won out in a 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (9-7) victory on Rod Laver Arena.
AAP
