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Sabalenka Survives Potapova Scare, Mboko Advances in Epic AO Battle

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was pushed to the limit but ultimately prevailed in two tight sets against Anastasia Potapova to reach the fourth round. Sabalenka saved four set points in a dramatic second-set tiebreak to secure the victory. In another match, Canadian Victoria Mboko won her Australian Open debut in a grueling three-set battle against Clara Tauson. Sabalenka will now face the 17th-seeded Mboko in the next round.

Key Points: Sabalenka, Mboko Win Tough Matches at Australian Open

  • Sabalenka saves four set points in tiebreak
  • Potapova misses historic run for Austria
  • Sabalenka extends 13-Slam fourth-round streak
  • Mboko wins debut AO match in three sets
2 min read

Aus Open: Sabalenka survives Potapova scare; Mboko beats Tauson

Aryna Sabalenka survives a major scare against Anastasia Potapova, while Victoria Mboko wins a three-set thriller to advance at the Australian Open.

"It was such a fight and I really enjoyed it - Aryna Sabalenka"

Melbourne, Jan 23

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka battled her way into the fourth round of Australian Open 2026 after surviving her biggest test at Melbourne Park, overcoming Anastasia Potapova 7-6, 7-6 at Rod Laver Arenaon Friday.

The four-time major champion, who hasn't lost a Grand Slam third round match since Roland Garros 2022, was stretched in Friday's two-hour, two-minute bout, her longest outing at AO 2026 so far.

Sabalenka found herself reeled in from a 7-6(4), 4-0 lead -- and eventually, saved four set points in the second-set tiebreak to wrap up the win.

"She played incredible tennis. I was always on the back foot, and to be honest, there are days where you just have to be there, to fight and try your best to put the ball back. Even though emotionally I was all over the place, I was able to still fight for every point... and I'm just super happy that I was able to get this win. It was such a fight and I really enjoyed it, Sabalenka said in her in court interview.

Potapova was eyeing to be the first Austrian to reach the fourth round at Melbourne Park since Barbara Schett in 2000.

Sabalenka, who clinched the 22nd title of her career at this month's Brisbane International, is hoping to build upon the eight-match winning streak that she's on in 2026.

She has now made the fourth-round or better at the last 13 Grand Slam events she has contested dating back to a third-round loss at Roland Garros in 2022.

In the fourth round, the 27-year-old Sabalenka meets her first seeded opponent at this year Australian Open in the form of Canada's Victoria Mboko, who she has never faced.

In her Australian Open debut, the 17th seed Mboko was made to work for her 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-3 win over 14th seed Clara Tauson.

After edging out an opening set tiebreak after being ahead by a break of serve twice, Mboko came from an early break down to build a 7-6(5), 5-3 lead.

But Tauson found her best tennis in the next games when serving down 5-4. Five games in a row went to the Dane to not just earn her the second set, but an early break in the third.

Mboko then broke back immediately and hammered back-to-back backhand winners to clinch the match from 30-30 in the final game.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Potapova must be absolutely gutted. Had her chances but couldn't convert. Sabalenka just has that extra gear in the big moments. Looking forward to the match against Mboko - new generation vs established champion.
A
Ananya R
So impressed by Victoria Mboko! Only 17 and playing with such composure in her AO debut. To beat a seed like Tauson in three sets shows she's the real deal. The future of women's tennis looks bright. 👏
D
David E
While Sabalenka's win was impressive, I do wish the article gave more credit to Potapova's performance. She pushed the world number one to the absolute limit and that deserves more than just a passing mention. Respect to both athletes.
V
Vikram M
Sabalenka's consistency at Slams is unbelievable. Fourth round or better in 13 straight majors? That's the mark of a true great. Hope she can go all the way this time. The women's draw is so exciting this year!
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Sarah B
The tiebreak drama is what makes tennis so thrilling! Woke up early to watch this match and it was worth every minute. Can't wait for the next round. Go Sabalenka!

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