Melbourne, Australia – World number one Aryna Sabalenka continued her commanding run at the Australian Open, defeating American teenager Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 in the quarterfinals on Tuesday to move one step closer to a historic third consecutive title at Melbourne Park.
The Belarusian star, champion in 2023 and 2024 and runner-up last year, showed her experience and composure under extreme heat, overpowering the 18-year-old newcomer in just over an hour on Rod Laver Arena.
A Strong Start Sets the Tone
Sabalenka began the match with authority, racing to a 3-0 lead in the opening set. Jovic, appearing in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, responded with impressive court coverage and fearless shot-making to hold serve and briefly challenge the top seed.
Despite the teenager’s resilience, Sabalenka’s power and consistency proved decisive. She closed out the first set 6-3, maintaining control with deep returns and aggressive baseline play.
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka praised her young opponent’s effort.
“Don’t look at the score — it wasn’t easy at all. She played incredible tennis and pushed me to a higher level. It was a tough battle,” Sabalenka said.
Second Set: Sabalenka Takes Full Control
The second set showcased Sabalenka at her best. She broke Jovic’s serve in the opening game with a stunning cross-court winner and never looked back. Two more service breaks followed as the world number one tightened her grip on the match.
Her aggressive approach and precise shot selection left little room for error, sealing a dominant 6-0 finish and booking her place in the semifinals.
Sabalenka will next face either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina for a spot in Saturday’s championship match.
Match Summary Table
| Category | Aryna Sabalenka | Iva Jovic |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 27 | 18 |
| World Ranking | No. 1 | No. 29 |
| Sets Won | 2 | 0 |
| Final Score | 6-3, 6-0 | — |
| Grand Slam Titles | 4 | 0 |
| Tournament Stage | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist |
Heat No Barrier for World No. 1
The match was played with the roof open in temperatures reaching 38°C (100°F). Sabalenka, riding a 10-match winning streak following her Brisbane International triumph, said the heat did not affect her focus.
“I knew I had to step in and show my level and my class. My second set was amazing,” she said.
“I’m trying to focus on each point, each game, and each match. For every player, it’s trophy or nothing.”
Her disciplined mentality and physical conditioning once again highlighted why she remains the top-ranked player in women’s tennis.
Jovic’s Breakthrough Tournament Ends with Pride
Although her journey ended in the quarterfinals, Iva Jovic’s Australian Open campaign marked a major breakthrough. The youngest player in the WTA Top 100 stunned seventh seed Jasmine Paolini earlier in the tournament and overwhelmed experienced campaigner Yulia Putintseva while dropping just one game.
Facing Sabalenka proved a step too far, but the teenager remained positive after the match.
“Aryna played very well. I could have done some things differently, but that’s tennis,” Jovic said.
“What she’s done in her career is inspiring. She’s turned difficult moments into motivation, and that’s something I really admire.”
Jovic also expressed hope of competing against Sabalenka again in the future, describing the world number one as gracious and encouraging after their match.
What’s Next for Sabalenka
With her place in the semifinals secured, Sabalenka is now just two wins away from lifting the Australian Open trophy for a third time. Her next challenge will come against either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina in what promises to be a high-intensity clash of styles.
As the tournament reaches its final stages, Sabalenka’s blend of power, experience, and mental strength continues to separate her from the rest of the field.