Mboko Defeats Anisimova 6-4, 6-1 in Round of 16 at Indian Wells
Amanda Anisimova was on a quest for her first desert title and third at the 1000 level. The American star, who marked her inaugural wins in Doha (over Ostapenko) and China (over Noskova) last season, faced off against Victoria Mboko from Canada. Mboko, who secured her first title on home soil in Montreal (defeating Osaka) last August and was a finalist (losing to Muchova) last month in Doha, proved to be a tough competitor.
At just twenty-four years old, Anisimova reached two Grand Slam finals last year (at Wimbledon & the US Open), achieved a career-high ranking of #4, and was honored as the 2025 WTA Most Improved Player. She currently holds the sixth seed.
Nineteen-year-old Mboko has been recognized as the 2025 Newcomer of the Year. She started last season ranked #333, finishing at #18, and now stands at a career-high ranking of #10.
This match marked their inaugural meeting on the tour. Anisimova won the toss and opted to serve, reaching game point at 40-30 with a stunning running crosscourt forehand but faced five deuce points before finally managing to hold with her first ace. This foreshadowed the challenges ahead, as she struggled to maintain her serve, while Mboko comfortably held at love with two brilliant groundstroke winners.
Photo: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images via Agence France-Presse
Anisimova navigated three unforced errors yet managed to hold serve to go 2-1, while Mboko leveled the score with a hold to 30. The American was quick to respond, dazzling the crowd with an inside-in forehand before holding again to lead 3-2.
Mboko showcased her incredible agility, shifting from defense to offense with ease. She kicked off the sixth game with a powerful inside-in forehand, overcoming two double faults to hold for 3-3 with an impressive serve.
Although Anisimova excelled at the net, she let go of her serve after a string of unforced errors. Mboko, facing new balls, encountered more double faults, but quickly reclaimed her momentum to hold serve at 5-3 with a booming 118 mph ace.
Facing the pressure to stay in the same, Anisimova opened her service game with an ace and briefly led 40-15 but had to battle deuce before managing to hold, showcasing impressive resilience. However, Mboko then easily closed out the set at 6-4.
As Anisimova’s frustration grew due to unforced errors, she dropped her serve early in the second set. Despite opening with a winning forehand half-volley, Mboko maintained control, holding serve at 15 to consolidate the break.
Though Anisimova managed to earn points with powerful winners, including two aces, Mboko proved too strong, holding despite double faults and demonstrating her prowess by serving three consecutive aces at a crucial moment.
The crowd erupted in excitement as Mboko’s performance dazzled, while Anisimova began to falter. After reaching 40-30 once more, Anisimova was unable to hold onto her serve, succumbing to a double fault.
While battling through inconsistencies, Mboko sealed the match after Anisimova faced triple match point, ending it with a crucial mishit forehand. The young Canadian left the audience in awe with her swift movement, potent serve, and fierce groundstrokes, advancing to the quarterfinals on her tournament debut, marking her fifth top-ten victory.
As the world #10, Mboko makes history as the first Canadian since Bianca Andreescu to reach the final eight at just nineteen years old, a year after winning the title in 2019.
Next on her path is world #1 Aryna Sabalenka, who previously won their only encounter in straight sets this past January at the Australian Open. With a spot in the semifinals at stake, this clash promises to be a thrilling showcase of two of tennis’s elite talents.
