Victoria Mboko continued her dream run at the Australian Open by advancing to the round of 16, where she will face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. The 19-year-old Canadian had to dig deep against Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the third round at John Cain Arena on Friday.
After the match, Mboko attended a press conference, where a journalist asked the 19-year-old about her facing Sabalenka in the next round, which is expected to be her sternest test yet.
“I think it’s super cool. I’ve never played a current No. 1 in the world, so that’s going to be a very different experience. I assume we’ll be playing on Rod Laver as well, so I’ve never played on a Grand Slam centre court either,” Mboko said. “A lot of firsts. I’m just really excited. It’s something not many people get to experience. To be doing that on Sunday is, I think, really cool. Just to show what I got.”
Victoria Mboko Reflects on Her Rhythm at the Australian Open
At the press conference, another journalist asked the Canadian how she was finding a consistent rhythm on the court, since this is her first appearance at the Australian Open. Furthermore, the journalist asked the teenager how she was feeling physically and emotionally.
“Well, I’ve been playing a lot of matches before coming here, so I think it’s been nice to get a lot of matches in and getting some rhythm. It helps sometimes when you have a day off in between to just rest and have your body relax,” Mboko said.
“I am also entered in doubles, so it’s not quite the case for me. I like it so far. Then again, it’s also my first experience playing this tournament, and I haven’t played a lot of Grand Slams yet, but I’m just taking it day by day and having fun,” she added.
Mboko is also playing doubles in Melbourne. She will be in action today alongside compatriot Iva Jovic as they take on the fourth seeds Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai in the second round. After the doubles match, the Canadian will shift her focus to the titanic clash against Sabalenka at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.
Also read:
Naomi Osaka Issues Unfiltered Takedown Of Critics Calling Her Australian Open Style ‘Classless’
Coco Gauff Bluntly Shuts Up Own Fan For Heckling Compatriot Hailey Baptiste At Australian Open
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
