Sabalenka Storms Into Australian Open Semi-Finals With Commanding Win Over Jovic

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka delivered another statement performance at the Australian Open, overpowering teenage sensation Iva Jovic to book her place in the semi-finals with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 victory on Tuesday.

By the early stages of the second set, it was clear that Sabalenka had slipped into full control. Up 2-0 and pressing relentlessly, the Belarusian showcased the evolution of her game, gliding to the net to finish a sublime forehand half-volley winner — a moment that underlined her growing all-court authority.

From raw power to complete dominance

There was a time when Sabalenka’s success hinged largely on sheer power and high-risk shot-making. Today, she is a far more rounded competitor, capable of dismantling opponents with variety, precision and tactical awareness.

Against Jovic, Sabalenka blended heavy groundstrokes with deft net play, drop shots and seamless transitions from defence to attack. Despite Jovic’s resilience in the opening set, the top seed steadily tightened her grip on the contest before accelerating decisively in the second.

Sabalenka wrapped up the match in just over an hour, underlining why she is widely regarded as the most formidable player on the women’s tour at present.

A remarkable Grand Slam streak continues

The win extended one of the most impressive Grand Slam records in modern tennis. Sabalenka has now reached the semi-finals in 12 of her last 13 major tournaments. The only exception came at the 2024 French Open, where she battled food poisoning during a narrow quarter-final loss.

“When I’m in the tournament, I’m not thinking about records,” Sabalenka said after the match. “But sometimes you stop and realise the level you’ve reached. It sounds incredible and tough to believe.”

She now remains firmly on course for a fifth Grand Slam title — and a third Australian Open crown — after reaching the final in Melbourne in each of the past four years.

Jovic’s breakthrough tournament

While the scoreline suggests a one-sided affair, it does not fully capture Iva Jovic’s breakthrough run in Melbourne. The 18-year-old American entered the tournament as the youngest player inside the world’s top 150 and leaves with her reputation significantly enhanced.

Jovic reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final, defeated her first top-20 opponent in No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini, and is now projected to break into the world’s top 20 — a remarkable achievement at her age.

She showed commendable spirit against Sabalenka, particularly in the opening set. After falling behind 3-0, Jovic fought hard, saving break points and pushing Sabalenka deep into a gruelling final game of the set. She even earned three break points on Sabalenka’s serve before the world No. 1 sealed the set with a blistering backhand winner.

Sabalenka raises the bar

Any hopes of a prolonged battle, however, faded quickly in the second set. Sabalenka elevated her intensity, hitting with ruthless consistency, mixing in drop shots and repeatedly punishing short balls. Jovic continued to compete, but the gap in experience and firepower became evident.

“I knew I had to step in and put more pressure on her,” Sabalenka explained. “She’s young, hungry, and no matter the score she keeps trying. I had to show the level and the class.”