Sabalenka sweeps aside teen sensation Jovic to enter Australian Open semis

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 in the Australian Open quarterfinals on January 27, 2026, continuing her bid for a third title at Melbourne Park. The world number one and former champion secured a decisive victory against the 18-year-old American teen in a match at Melbourne Park. Sabalenka dominated the second set after a more competitive first set, showcasing her experience and power. She will now face either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina in the semifinals. Sabalenka previously defeated another teenager in the prior round and acknowledged the challenge presented by young players. She expressed her determination to win the Australian Open trophy.

At the Australian Open on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus defeated 19-year-old Victoria Mboko of Canada in the fourth round. Sabalenka will advance to the quarterfinals where she will face 18-year-old Iva Jovic of the U.S., who defeated Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan. The matches took place in Melbourne, Australia. Other matches included Coco Gauff of the U.S. playing Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic, and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain playing Tommy Paul of the U.S.

At the 2026 Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Coco Gauff advanced to the quarterfinals. Sabalenka defeated Victoria Mboko in straight sets, continuing her Grand Slam tiebreak win streak, and will face Iva Jovic, an 18-year-old who defeated Yulia Putintseva. Gauff overcame Karolina Muchova in three sets to also reach the quarterfinals. In a notable upset, Daniil Medvedev was defeated by Learner Tien. The tournament saw a return to normal conditions after a day of extreme heat.