Indian Wells: Teenager Victoria Mboko to face Aryna Sabalenka in quarter-finals

The 19-year-old, who began 2025 outside the top 300, has surged into the top 10 this season, having already reached two finals.

Mboko showcased her powerful baseline game, converting all four break-point opportunities and winning 81 percent of points behind her first serve, while Anisimova struggled with her second serve, taking just 10 percent of points in the second set.

This marks the Canadian's fifth career win against a top-10 opponent, building on last year's triumph at the Canadian Open.

"Well, yeah, I mean, I will agree everything came super fast, but I just think, I mean, I just think if you put a lot of pressure on yourself and have a lot of expectations for yourself, you're not really going to perform the way you want to," said Mboko.

"So I just try to come to terms that with every tournament I play, it's not going to be maybe the way I want it to, but I just want to give 100% percent effort, and there is always a lesson to learn.

"I feel like that's the only way I'm going to improve myself. As long as each week I'm able to take something away and try to learn and grow from it, it's only going to be upwards from here. Yeah, it's a marathon, not a race, you know."

The upcoming match carries historical context, as Sabalenka previously defeated Mboko in straight sets at this year's Australian Open.

Reflecting on her rapid rise, Mboko spoke about the mental focus and consistency that have guided her since emerging on the professional circuit. 

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