Victoria Mboko surged into the Adelaide International final with an emphatic 6-2, 6-1 victory over Australia’s Kimberly Birrell on Friday, January 16. Victoria Mboko displayed remarkable control throughout the 59-minute semifinal, asserting dominance on both wings and showcasing her powerful baseline game.

The 19-year-old WTA newcomer of the year for 2025 won nine consecutive games, cementing her place in the final and demonstrating the aggressive style that has made Victoria Mboko one of tennis’s rising stars in 2026.

A forehand down the line on her second match point marked Victoria Mboko’s 24th winner compared to Birrell’s seven, underscoring her precision and court awareness throughout the match.

Mboko’s rise continues

“It feels nice because all my other matches have gone pretty long, but I was glad I could be more aggressive today,” Victoria Mboko said after the match, highlighting her tactical growth and confidence. Victoria Mboko’s ability to maintain focus and dominate rallies reflects her rapid development as a top-tier player in 2026.

Victoria Mboko will face either World No. 8 Mirra Andreeva or No. 23 Diana Shnaider in Saturday’s final. A win would mark Victoria Mboko’s third title in under six months, following her triumphs at the Canadian Open in August and the Hong Kong Tennis Open in November.

Setting the stage for the Australian Open

Victoria Mboko’s semifinal victory provides momentum ahead of the 2026 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. Victoria Mboko is entering the tournament with confidence and form, making her a player to watch as the season kicks off.

Meanwhile, Kimberly Birrell has drawn compatriot Maddison Inglis for the first round of the Australian Open, starting her campaign shortly after her Adelaide exit. [Xinhua]