**Victoria Mboko Rallies in Adelaide Opener, Advances to Second Round**
Key Takeaways:
- Victoria Mboko defeated Beatriz Haddad Maia in three sets after dropping the first set.
- The Canadian teen struck 18 winners and landed 76% of her first serves in a strong comeback.
- The victory earned Mboko a spot in the second round of the 2026 Adelaide International.
Adelaide, Australia — Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko is trending after a gutsy three-set comeback win over Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia at the 2026 Adelaide International. Mboko’s 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 win locked her into the second round of the tournament and kept fans buzzing as the tennis season gets underway.
Mboko Triumphs After Dropping Tight First Set
Victoria Mboko, 19, found herself behind early, losing the first set 5-7 after two untimely double faults at 5-6. Rather than fold under pressure, the young Canadian responded with precision and intensity. She committed just nine unforced errors over the final two sets while blasting 18 winners. Mboko also converted six of her seven break points and maintained 76% accuracy on first serves, neutralizing Haddad Maia’s aggressive style of play.
“She’s such a talented player,” Mboko said post-match. “I just tried to fight really hard every point. I feel relieved to get through.”
Strong Start to 2026 Campaign Fuels Buzz
Mboko’s performance in Adelaide marks a strong start to her 2026 WTA season. After defeating Anna Kalinskaya last year in Hong Kong (Kalinskaya retired while trailing), the rematch in the second round adds intrigue as both players are expected to climb the rankings. Mboko’s win is even more impressive considering Haddad Maia is a seasoned top-20 player with a powerful game and WTA finals experience.
Alongside Mboko, American No. 15 seed Emma Navarro also advanced, beating local wildcard Emerson Jones in straight sets. Their wins help set the tone for a competitive women’s draw as higher seeds begin their campaigns in the days ahead.
Upcoming Challenges Will Test Mboko’s Momentum
Mboko will now face Anna Kalinskaya in the second round. The Russian, who retired in their previous meeting, provides a significant test of Mboko’s growing resilience and consistency. A win could signal the start of a breakout season for the teenager. With both Navarro and Mboko gaining traction early in the WTA calendar, tennis fans can expect fireworks as the action heats up Down Under.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is victoria mboko trending?
A: Victoria Mboko is trending after a comeback win over Beatriz Haddad Maia at the 2026 Adelaide International.
Q: What happens next?
A: Mboko faces Anna Kalinskaya in the second round, looking to build on her strong opening performance.
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