Adelaide International WTA champions go on to be Australian Open champions in the same year. The warmup tournament for Melbourne says that the road to the Australian Open begins in Adelaide.
This is not just marketing talk; it has proven true three of the past four years. Dating back to 2022, maiden Australian Open champions have been crowned weeks after winning at Adelaide including Ash Barty in 2022, Aryna Sabalenka in 2023, and Madison Keys in 2025.
That’s why all eyes were fixed on this year’s draw to see who might turn this trend into truth in 2026.
In the final, we have two teenagers, both had breakout 2025 seasons with WTA 1000 wins. They are Mirra Andreeva and Victoria Mboko. Andreeva has been on the radar for a couple of years but enjoyed tremendous success by winning back-to-back WTA 1000 tournament wins in Dubai and Indian Wells in 2025. Those wins were laden with upsets of top ranked players including Iga Swiatek in Dubai. Mboko was ranked in the 300s last year but became a household name when she won her home tournament at the 2025 Canada Open. She defeated Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Naomi Osaka en route to the win. Mboko also defeated defending Adelaide and AO champion Keys in a previous round.
Andreeva, 18, and Mboko, 19 are rising stars of the sport who will play at 9:30 PM EST on Friday for the Adelaide International title. Will one of these young women hoist the Australian Open trophy in a few weeks?
The colossal favorite is Aryna Sabalenka who nearly secured a Melbourne three-peat last year before Madison Keys played the match of her life to win the title.
Andreeva Vs. Mboko
Aside from watching their talent, court presence, and shot making, tennis fans will be treated to a first ever meeting between these two players who have known each other for years.
Mirra Andreeva on playing Victoria Mboko in Adelaide final:
"Vicky, she's a great player. She had an amazing season last year and I've known her since I'm 12 years old.."❤pic.twitter.com/5n9mdK7oI1
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2026
Many wonder if this is the rivalry of the future which we are getting a sneak peak of in Adelaide.
Regardless of who wins, both will garner a lot of attention at the upcoming Australian Open. Andreeva has consecutive fourth round finishes at the past two Australian Opens while Mboko will be playing in Melbourne for the first time in 2026.
