MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Australian Open has turned the spotlight on luxury brands as top tennis players Aryna Sabalenka and rising star Victoria Mboko have advanced to the fourth round of the tournament. With the tournament's high stakes, the focus is primarily on the business of tennis as these athletes prepare for their upcoming match.
No. 1 ranked Aryna Sabalenka successfully edged past Anastasia Potapova with a score of 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7). Meanwhile, 19-year-old Mboko made headlines by ousting 14th-seeded Clara Tauson 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-3, thus securing her spot in the Round of 16. With Sabalenka's accomplishments, including two Australian Open titles and two U.S. Open victories, she brings a wealth of experience to the competition, while Mboko enters the tournament as a debutante at Melbourne Park.
This year, the Australian Open has seen heightened attention on fashion, particularly following Naomi Osaka's dramatic walk-on during her first-round match. Consequently, both Sabalenka and Mboko have been confronted with questions regarding their endorsement deals, which are notably timed to align with the year's first major tournament. Sabalenka is collaborating with Gucci, while Mboko has recently partnered with Rolex. However, both players emphasized the significance of their upcoming match rather than the commercial aspects surrounding it.
Sabalenka expressed her admiration for Mboko, noting, “First of all, I never actually talked to her, never had the chance to hit or practice with her. I’ve only seen her outside. I was watching some matches. Yeah, she’s a great player. She’s a fighter. She’s playing really good, aggressive tennis.” Having participated in the Australian Open for eight consecutive years and winning 22 titles on tour, Sabalenka has also accumulated over $45 million in career prize money. She reflected on her early career challenges, acknowledging how difficult it was to manage success at a young age compared to the younger generation of players who seem to mature faster.
In contrast, Mboko noted that facing a world No. 1 is a significant milestone for her as it is her fourth major tournament, yet her first journey into the Round of 16. Having captured two WTA titles, including her first as an 18-year-old wild card in Montreal last year, Mboko described the experience as “super cool,” indicating her excitement about potentially playing on Rod Laver Arena. This feeling of anticipation for countless first experiences at the Grand Slam level builds up as she prepares for the next steps in her career.
Sabalenka has garnered a considerable following on social media, playing an active role in engaging with young fans and offering a glimpse into the life of a professional athlete. She takes her responsibility as an ambassador seriously and strives to be a positive influence on younger players. In her effort to set an example for the next generation, she highlighted the importance of balancing enjoyment and dedication in a tennis career, cautioning against the pitfalls of becoming overly focused and feeling pressured by the sport.
As both players gear up for their exciting encounter, the dramatic clash between the seasoned Sabalenka and the youthful Mboko promises to capture the attention of fans and highlight the evolving dynamics within women's tennis, paving the way for future narratives and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
