Victoria Mboko vs Clara Tauson Australian Open Prediction 1/23/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Victoria Mboko will face Clara Tauson in an intriguing third-round match at the 2026 Australian Open on Friday, January 23. Here’s our Victoria Mboko vs Clara Tauson prediction. This preview will also include a Victoria Mboko vs Clara Tauson pick.

Victoria Mboko vs Clara Tauson Preview

Victoria Mboko is competing in the Australian Open for the first time and the 19-year-old has powered into the third round without facing significant competition. Mboko, who is Canada’s top-ranked player in the draw, started the week with a 6-4, 6-1 win over home wild card Emerson Jones, taking just an hour and 13 minutes to register sixth win of the new season.

In the second round, the world No. 16 beat American Caty McNally in straight sets, dropping just seven games in a one-hour, 33-minute workout. In the victory, Mboko hammered 16 winners and tallied 25 unforced errors. She landed 59% of first serves in play and won 60% of first serve points (21/35). Mboko won 58% of second serve points (14/24) and saved four of seven break points. She equals her best run at a Grand Slam, having also reached the third round of the 2025 French Open.

Clara Tauson is also through to the third round of the Australian Open, although the Dane has been a regular in the year’s first major in each of the last three years. Tauson kicked off the tournament with a clinical 6-3, 6-3 win over World No. 91 Dalma Galfi, recording 16 winners and winning 88% of first serve points (23/26). 

In the second round, Tauson faced stiff competition in the shape of Polina Kudermetova, where she needed a late break in the deciding set to seal 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory in an hour and 54 minutes. In the victory, Tauson hit 31 winners and 17 unforced errors. That included 12 aces and 2 double faults. Tauson landed 64% of first serves in play and won 65% of first serve points (33/51). Tauson won 48% of second serve points (14/29) and saved four of 10 break points. Tauson has stumbled in the third round twice in Melbourne. She has never gone beyond this stage in the past.

Victoria Mboko vs Clara Tauson Head-To-Head

Mboko and Tauson have never played before, so this will be their first career meeting.

Victoria Mboko vs Clara Tauson Prediction

I’m siding with Mboko in this one. In addition to being a big hitter, Mboko is a great athlete and plays points with intensity and high energy and that could give an edge over Tauson, who relies so much on firepower than mobility.

Nur Said's Pick: Victoria Mboko in three sets