Aryna Sabalenka Dominates Her Way Into the Australian Open 2026 Semifinals
MELBOURNE, Australia — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka once again proved why she is the dominant force at the Australian Open, brushing aside teenage sensation Iva Jovic with a commanding 6-3, 6-0 victory to book her place in the semifinals of the 2026 tournament. Played under punishing Melbourne heat at Rod Laver Arena, the quarterfinal showcased Sabalenka’s experience, power, and composure against one of the brightest young talents in women’s tennis.
With temperatures soaring above 104°F (40°C) and heat warnings in effect, the match began with the roof open, adding another layer of difficulty for both players. Despite the harsh conditions, Sabalenka never lost control, managing the match expertly while neutralizing the fearless shot-making of the 18-year-old American.
Early Authority From the Top Seed
From the outset, Sabalenka made her intentions clear. She surged to a 3-0 lead in the opening set, immediately placing Jovic under pressure. The Belarusian’s trademark power off both wings, combined with her aggressive returning, forced the young American into difficult service games early on.
While the scoreline suggested control, Sabalenka later admitted the match was far from easy. Jovic fought hard to stay competitive in the first set, showing impressive resilience for a player still new to the biggest stages in tennis.
“Don’t look at the score — it wasn’t easy at all,” Sabalenka said afterward. “These teenagers have tested me in the last couple of rounds. She’s an incredible player.”
Sabalenka’s ability to rise in crucial moments was key. She saved all five break points she faced throughout the match and fired seven aces, including two at the most decisive moment.
Jovic’s Fight — and the Turning Point
Despite Sabalenka’s dominance, Jovic showed why she had reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal. The 29th seed, born in California to Serbian and Croatian parents, has rapidly gained attention for her aggressive baseline game and fearless mentality. She has also been receiving guidance from Serbian legend Novak Djokovic, a sign of how highly her potential is regarded.
Aryna Sabalenka Semifinals Push Continues as World No. 1 Overpowers Teen Rival in Melbourne
Jovic’s best chance came late in the first set during a marathon ninth game that lasted nearly ten minutes. She created three break point opportunities, threatening to swing momentum and force Sabalenka to close out the set under pressure. Each time, however, the top seed responded with authority — deep groundstrokes, fearless serving, and calm decision-making.
That resistance ultimately took a toll.
Second Set Surge Ends the Contest
The second set was where Sabalenka truly separated herself. She raced to a 5-0 lead, breaking Jovic twice and stripping away any remaining momentum. Jovic, perhaps feeling the weight of the moment and the conditions, didn’t help herself near the end, double-faulting on break point to hand Sabalenka yet another advantage.
In the final game, Sabalenka sealed the match in emphatic fashion — an ace on break point followed by another ace on match point. It was a fitting end to a performance defined by power, precision, and big-match composure.
The final score of 6-3, 6-0 may look ruthless, but it masked the quality and competitiveness of large stretches of the contest.
Respect for the Rising Star
Despite the lopsided finish, Sabalenka was quick to praise her young opponent.
“She played incredible tennis and pushed me to be a one-step better,” Sabalenka said in her on-court interview. “It was a battle.”
For Jovic, the loss marks the end of a breakthrough Australian Open run but offers plenty of encouragement for the future. At just 18, she has now tested the world’s best on Rod Laver Arena and gained invaluable experience that will shape her development.
Sabalenka’s Melbourne Mastery Continues
Sabalenka’s victory keeps her firmly on course for a historic achievement. She won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, finished runner-up in 2025 to Madison Keys, and is now chasing a third title in four years — a feat that would further cement her dominance at Melbourne Park.
Her run to the semifinals has been marked by control and maturity. Earlier in the tournament, she defeated 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, setting up the clash with another teenager in Jovic. Each time, Sabalenka has responded to youthful energy with calm authority.
Eyes on the Semifinal
Next, Sabalenka will await the winner of the quarterfinal between third-seeded Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina, a matchup that promises a very different challenge. Whether it’s Gauff’s athleticism and power or Svitolina’s tactical brilliance, the semifinal will demand another level from the world No. 1.
Still, based on her performance against Jovic, Sabalenka looks physically strong, mentally sharp, and completely at home in Melbourne’s extreme conditions.
A Champion’s Mindset
As the Australian Open enters its final stages, Sabalenka has sent a clear message to the rest of the field. She is not just surviving the pressure of expectation — she is thriving under it.
With her blend of experience, confidence, and raw power, Sabalenka remains the woman to beat. And if this quarterfinal was any indication, she is fully prepared to go all the way once again on the courts where she feels most unstoppable.
