Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant march through the 2026 Australian Open on Saturday, defeating Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko 6-1, 7-6(1) to become the first woman into the quarterfinals while setting a remarkable new Grand Slam record in the process.

The top seed needed just 87 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to dispatch the 17th-seeded Mboko, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. In winning the second-set tiebreak, Sabalenka claimed her 20th consecutive tiebreak victory at Grand Slam level, surpassing a record that had stood for nearly two decades.

The previous mark of 19 straight tiebreak wins at majors belonged to Novak Djokovic, who set it between Wimbledon 2005 and 2007. Sabalenka has now eclipsed one of the game's greatest pressure players in this specific statistical category, demonstrating her own remarkable composure when points matter most.

The first set was a clinical display from the two-time defending Australian Open champion. Sabalenka overwhelmed Mboko with her trademark power, racing through the opener 6-1 with minimal resistance. The 19-year-old Canadian, making her first appearance in the second week of a Grand Slam, appeared overawed by the occasion and her formidable opponent.

However, the second set proved far more competitive. Mboko found her range and began to compete more effectively, refusing to surrender meekly. The young Canadian saved three match points as she fought valiantly to extend the contest, showing the competitive spirit that has seen her rise rapidly through the rankings.

When the tiebreak arrived, though, Sabalenka's experience and mental fortitude proved decisive. She dominated the breaker 7-1, converting her fifth match point to seal the victory and maintain her perfect record of not dropping a set throughout the tournament.

This victory extends Sabalenka's remarkable consistency at the highest level, as she reached her 13th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal. Since the 2023 US Open, she has been a fixture in the final eight of every major championship, a testament to her sustained excellence.

Statistically, Sabalenka was the dominant force, cracking 31 winners compared to Mboko's 19. Her powerful groundstrokes continue to be the foundation of her game, and few players on the WTA Tour can match her ability to dictate rallies from the baseline.

When asked about her historic tiebreak streak after the match, Sabalenka offered insight into her mental approach. She credited her success to focusing on individual points rather than dwelling on the pressure of the match format itself. This ability to compartmentalize and execute under pressure has become a hallmark of her game.

Next up for Sabalenka is a quarterfinal clash against 29th seed Iva Jovic, who reached her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal with an emphatic 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Yulia Putintseva. While Jovic is enjoying a breakthrough tournament, she faces a monumental challenge against a player who has made Melbourne Park her personal fortress.

Sabalenka won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024 and enters this edition as the overwhelming favorite to secure a historic third consecutive title. With her tiebreak record now firmly in the books, she continues to write her own chapter in Melbourne tennis history.