Sabalenka Advances to 2026 Australian Open Quarterfinals
Aryna Sabalenka has become the first woman to reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open. The top seed showcased her skills on Rod Laver Arena, overcoming a fierce challenge from 17th seed Victoria Mboko. Sabalenka ultimately converted her fifth match point to secure a victory, with scores of 6-1, 7-6(1).
Record-Breaking Performance
This victory marks a significant milestone for Sabalenka, as she achieved her 20th consecutive tiebreak win at Grand Slams. This accomplishment surpasses a long-standing record previously held by Novak Djokovic, who won 19 tiebreaks in a row between Wimbledon 2005 and 2007.
“What an incredible player for such a young age,” remarked Sabalenka, highlighting her opponent’s resilience. “I’m super happy with the win,” she added, reflecting on the intense nature of the match.
Match Overview
- Opponent: Victoria Mboko
- Scores: 6-1, 7-6(1)
- Winners: Sabalenka 31, Mboko 19
- Match Surface: Rod Laver Arena
In the second set, Sabalenka acknowledged that Mboko played freely, making it a challenging contest. “It was quite a fight,” she stated, expressing her satisfaction with winning in straight sets.
Consistency in Tiebreaks
Since the semifinals at the 2023 Roland Garros, Sabalenka has not lost a tiebreak in any major tournament. She attributed her success in these tense moments to focusing on each point rather than the tiebreak itself. “I try to play point by point, and I guess that’s the key to this consistency,” she explained.
Aryna Sabalenka’s impressive journey in the 2026 Australian Open continues, as she aims for further success in the coming rounds.
