Iva Jovic says she is “really excited” to test herself against “the best” at the Australian Open. That chance arrives after she booked a maiden Grand Slam quarter-final in emphatic fashion.
American Jovic, who turned 18 in December, dropped only one game against Yulia Putintseva. The 6-0 6-1 win lasted just 53 minutes.
Earlier on Sunday, Aryna Sabalenka defeated another rising star, Victoria Mboko, on Rod Laver Arena. The world number one won 6-1 7-6 (7-1) to maintain her flawless run.
Asked about meeting Sabalenka, Jovic said: “I think I’m just going to try to keep taking care of my side of the net. “Obviously she’s number one for a reason and has had so much success at this tournament.”
“But that’s what I want,” Jovic added. “You definitely want to play the best and see how it goes. I’m really excited.”
Seeded 29th in Melbourne, Jovic had never gone beyond the second round at a major. However, that changed quickly with a straight-set win over Jasmine Paolini.
That victory marked her first against a top-10 opponent. She followed it by dismantling Putintseva without losing focus.
Jovic also credited advice gained from a meeting with Novak Djokovic earlier in the event. Djokovic later said she “has all the tools” to become “a future champion and a future number one”.
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Sabalenka marches on as records and pressure build
Like Jovic, Sabalenka has yet to drop a set in Melbourne this year. She has now reached at least the quarter-finals in 13 consecutive Grand Slams.
The two-time Australian Open champion is two wins from a fourth straight Melbourne final. She lifted the title in 2023 and 2024 before losing last year’s final.
Against Mboko, Sabalenka appeared comfortable after taking a set and double break. However, the second set became tense as a 4-1 lead slipped.
She eventually sealed victory in a tie-break, her 20th straight at a Slam. That streak surpassed Djokovic’s previous record.
“She’s an amazing player, it was quite a fight,” said Sabalenka.”I’m super happy that I was able to close this match in straight sets.”
“The second set was a bit tricky,” she added.”I’m happy with the level I played and happy to be through.”
Tags: Iva Jovic, #AusOpen, #AustralianOpen, #AussieOpen, Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka, Yulia Putintseva, Victoria Mboko, Rod Laver Arena.
