Australian Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka Overpowers Teenager Iva Jovic to Storm into Semi-Finals

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka produced a commanding display of power and precision to brush aside teenage sensation Iva Jovic and book her place in the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Sabalenka sealed a 6-3, 6-0 victory in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park, reinforcing her status as the overwhelming favourite to lift the title once again.

Playing under intense heat conditions, Sabalenka wasted little time asserting control over the contest. The Belarusian broke early in the opening set, racing to a 3-0 lead with her trademark aggressive baseline hitting and booming serve. Jovic, competing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final at just 18 years of age, showed flashes of resilience and athleticism, managing to extend rallies and force Sabalenka to work for several points.

Despite the teenager’s effort, Sabalenka’s superior power, depth and shot selection consistently tilted the balance in her favour. The opening set remained competitive for stretches, but the defending champion closed it out clinically, refusing to allow any momentum shift.

The second set turned into a one-sided exhibition of dominance. Sabalenka broke serve in the opening game with a fierce cross-court winner and never looked back. Her relentless pressure on return, combined with unforced errors creeping into Jovic’s game, resulted in a swift collapse of resistance. Sabalenka reeled off six consecutive games to seal the match in emphatic fashion, sending a clear warning to the rest of the field.

Speaking after the match, Sabalenka played down the lopsided scoreline, acknowledging the challenge posed by the young American. She noted that the recent rounds have tested her against fearless teenagers and praised Jovic’s ability to push her to elevate her level despite the straight-sets result.

The win keeps Sabalenka firmly on course for a third Australian Open title in four years, having already lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024. Her blend of raw power, improved composure and big-match experience has made her a formidable force on hard courts, particularly in Melbourne where she has thrived under pressure.

In the semi-finals, Sabalenka will face either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina, setting up a high-stakes clash against elite opposition. Both potential matchups promise a stern test, but Sabalenka’s current form suggests she remains the player to beat.

For Jovic, the defeat marks the end of a breakthrough run that showcased her promise on the biggest stage. Reaching the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam at 18 has underlined her potential and signalled her arrival as a future contender on the WTA Tour.

As the Australian Open enters its decisive stages, Sabalenka’s ruthless performance has reinforced the narrative surrounding the tournament. With her power game peaking and confidence soaring, the world number one appears fully primed for another deep run — and possibly another Melbourne crown.