Teen Sensations Upset Aryna Sabalenka and Controversial Star at 2026 Australian Open
Teenagers Iva Jovic and Victoria Mboko have emerged as remarkable figures in the tennis world during the 2026 Australian Open. Both players showcased their tremendous talent and potential by delivering impressive performances against seasoned opponents.
Victorious Debuts at the Australian Open
On Sunday, 18-year-old Iva Jovic made headlines with a stunning victory over Yulia Putintseva. Jovic dominated the match, achieving a decisive 6-0, 6-1 victory in just 53 minutes. This win advanced her to the quarter-finals, marking her first-ever appearance beyond the second round in a Grand Slam event.
Jovic’s performance comes after Putintseva faced criticism for her behavior during previous matches. After a controversial win against Zeynep Sönmez, she was booed by a vocal crowd, which added pressure to her subsequent match against Jovic.
Victoria Mboko’s Remarkable Match Against Aryna Sabalenka
Another standout moment of the day was provided by 19-year-old Victoria Mboko. Taking on the formidable Aryna Sabalenka, the 17th seed faced an uphill battle. Sabalenka dominated the first set with a score of 6-1 and even held a 4-1 lead in the second set.
However, Mboko displayed remarkable resilience, fighting back to take a 6-5 lead in the second set. Despite saving four match points, she ultimately lost in a tiebreak, with Sabalenka winning 7-1. This match extended Sabalenka’s record of consecutive tiebreak wins to 20, surpassing a record previously held by Novak Djokovic.
Praise from All Corners
Both players earned widespread acclaim for their performances. Jovic’s meteoric rise in 2025 positioned her as a fierce competitor, while Mboko’s determination and fighting spirit garnered praise from commentators. Brenton Speed remarked on the remarkable quality of play, saying, “We’re floored by how good this tennis is.”
- Iva Jovic: 6-0, 6-1 victory over Yulia Putintseva
- Victoria Mboko: Impressive fightback against Aryna Sabalenka, losing in tiebreak
Future Prospects
Both Jovic and Mboko are being touted as future stars in the tennis community. Sam Stosur noted Mboko’s resilience, stating, “She held her head high, didn’t give up, and played very well.” Meanwhile, Sabalenka acknowledged Mboko’s talent, highlighting her impressive skill for such a young athlete.
As they continue their journeys, both Jovic and Mboko are expected to become key figures in tennis, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. Their performances at the 2026 Australian Open serve as a promising preview of their futures on the court.
