It was a North American match down under as Canada’s Victoria Mboko took on Caty McNally of the United States. Mboko is during her Australian Open debut 19 years old, ranking at a career-high of 16and is sown 17e.
She started last season well outside the top 300but I still completed the year #18 after winning two titles, including the 1000event on home soil in Montreal. She ended the season with one 250level title in Hong Kong and, fittingly, was voted out WTA newcomer of the year.
McNally, five years older, continues to climb the rankings after a chronic elbow injury that required surgery. After achieving a career-high rank of #54 in 2023she is currently #85. Although she led the infighting 1-0they last played almost two years earlier.
REUTERS/Edgar Su
In mild but breezy conditions, McNally won the toss and elected to receive. Mboko missed 3/5 first serve, including a double fault, but held 15 while McNally complied 30 despite a double fault.
The Canadian made two more consecutive unforced errors 30 for 2-1while, despite two blistering winners, McNally faced a break point and dumped serve. Mboko missed three consecutive first serves, including another double fault, and returned the break with an errant backhand pass.
The American made 3/5 first serve and consolidated the break with an overhead and well-placed serve off the tee as Mboko made 3/5 first serves and easy to hold 15 for 4-3.
McNally served with new balls, faced a break point and deuce, but held firm after two consecutive errors from her opponent. Mboko regrouped admirably and held on at love with a brilliant backhand pass down the line. McNally, serving to stay in the set, opened with a winning serve and volley but gave up three unforced errors, including her second double fault.
Mboko served first in the second, but with three forehand errors he knocked the serve away. Incredibly, McNally consolidated the break ahead 2-0 despite two consecutive double faults, three deuces and a break point! Mboko, clearly frustrated by the drop in level, continued to struggle. She opened the third with three consecutive forehand errors, conceded a triple break point and dropped serve.
McNally made a double break and looked positioned to take the set, but was faced with a break point after another double fault and dropped serve when Mboko ripped an inside backhand.
The world #16 opened the fifth with a netted backhand, but held 30 when her opponent did the same. McNally, still on a break, failed to penetrate further, dumping serve after two backhand errors and inspiring her opponent’s play.
Mboko served with new balls and was on three, conceding two deuce points and a break point, but held firm with a monstrous forehand down the line and an overcooked forehand from McNally. The American conceded two deuce and three break points, dropping serve with her fifth double fault.
Mboko served for the match and although she missed three consecutive first serves, she sealed the match in straight sets with her first ace. Although she occasionally lost focus, she reasserted her authority and is now in the third round of the first grand slam of the season.
She will have to serve better if she hopes to advance to the round of 16. She won 60% of first and 58% second service points. She saved 4/7 breakpoints during conversion 5/10 and beaten 16 winners 25 unforced errors.
Then the 14he seed from Denmark, Clara Tauson, who had a tough three-setter against Polina Kudermetova. This will be their first meeting at tour level with the Australian Open round of sixteen on the line.
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