Arizona Tribune - Rising star Mboko relishes another 'really cool' first against Sabalenka

The 19-year-old came through a gripping battle with Denmark's Clara Tauson 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 6-3 on Friday to make the last 16 on her Australian Open debut.

It set up a blockbuster showdown on Sunday with top seed and world number one Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the quarter-finals.

Mboko, who a year ago was ranked 337 but has rocketed up to a career-high 16 after a breakthrough six months, said it was a dream come true.

"To be here, it's my first-ever fourth round in a Grand Slam. It's my first time playing the Australian Open. This is a really cool experience," she said.

"I've never played a current number one in the world. That's going to be a very different experience.

"I assume we'd be playing on Rod Laver (Arena), as well. I've never played on a Grand Slam centre court either. 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."

Mboko burst on the scene by winning her maiden WTA title at the Canadian Open in August, beating Coco Gauff in the last 16 before downing Naomi Osaka in the final.

She followed it up with victory at the Hong Kong Open in November and made the final of the Adelaide International this month, losing to fellow teenager Mirra Andreeva.

Mboko said she was learning on the fly, soaking in the experience of playing big-name players.

"Everyone is really good, so playing a lot of high-quality tennis players I think just prepares you with the ball striking," she said.

"A lot more people have more experience than I do. So whether you win or lose, I think learning a lot can come into play.

"I haven't had a full season yet on the WTA Tour, but so far having been playing a lot of matches, I think it's just helped me adapt. I think it's those experiences that get me through."

Sabalenka said she had never crossed paths with the Canadian, but had been following her progress and liked what she saw.

"I was watching some matches. She's a great player, she's a fighter, she's playing really good, aggressive tennis," said the Belarusian, who has won two of the last three Australian Opens.

"I know it's going to be a great battle. I'm super-excited to face her for the first time."

H.Romero--AT