Victoria Mboko staged a remarkable comeback in her first-round match at the Adelaide International, overcoming Beatriz Haddad Maia after dropping the opening set. The young Canadian player secured a 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 victory in just over two hours, demonstrating her resilience and determination on the court.
In a post-match interview, Mboko expressed her relief at securing the win, acknowledging the challenges presented by Haddad Maia’s powerful and aggressive playing style. “It’s never easy to play her,” Mboko noted. “She has a lot of variety in her game, and can hit a very heavy ball. Honestly, I just wanted to stand my ground as much as I possibly could.” Her comeback highlighted her composure; after losing the first set, she struck 18 winners against only nine unforced errors, and successfully converted six of seven break points. This victory advances Mboko to the second round, where she is set to face Anna Kalinskaya, against whom she has previously triumphed.
Joining Mboko in the second round is Emma Navarro, who also made a strong impression with her straight-sets win over Australian Emerson Jones. Navarro secured her first victory of 2026 with a score of 6-3, 6-3, controlling the match from the outset. Despite the pressure from the home crowd cheering for Jones, she took a commanding 3-0 lead early on and maintained her momentum throughout the match.
Reflecting on her win, Navarro expressed her satisfaction at starting the year with a victory, especially after a lengthy offseason. She also acknowledged the talent of her opponent, praising Jones as a rising star. Navarro’s efficient play was marked by her ability to generate 13 break points and her resilience in saving a match point, ultimately sealing her victory with a strong final game.
As both players progress in the tournament, they will look to continue their momentum and challenge for further success on the court. The Adelaide International serves as a significant stepping stone as they embark on what promises to be an exciting year ahead in women’s tennis.