Sabalenka Dominates Jovic, Advances to AO 2026 Semifinals
Aryna Sabalenka, the top-seeded player, demonstrated her prowess on the court during the Australian Open 2026, defeating Iva Jovic with a commanding score of 6-3, 6-0. The match took place on Rod Laver Arena and lasted one hour and 29 minutes, under the sweltering Melbourne heat that reached 38C.
Sabalenka Advances to Semifinals
This victory marked Sabalenka’s advancement to the semifinals, making her the first woman to reach this stage at the tournament. She is also the only player remaining in the women’s field who has previously won the prestigious Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
Historic Achievement
- First female player to reach Australian Open 2026 semifinals
- Remains undefeated, having not lost a set during the tournament
- Qualified for her fourth consecutive Australian Open semifinal
- Achieved a total of 14 major semifinals in her career
Sabalenka, reflecting on her match against Jovic, noted the challenges posed by younger competitors. She stated, “These teenagers are testing me,” referencing not only Jovic but also her earlier opponent, 19-year-old Victoria Mboko.
Match Highlights
In this encounter, Sabalenka showcased her dominance with a remarkable performance. She hit 31 winners, significantly outpacing Jovic’s 12. Additionally, she won 61% of points on Jovic’s second serve, further illustrating her control over the match.
During their initial meeting, Sabalenka quickly established her dominance by breaking Jovic’s second serve. She maintained her momentum, quickly taking a 3-0 lead that set the tone for the remainder of the match. Sabalenka expressed her satisfaction with the win, emphasizing that while the score may suggest a straightforward victory, it was indeed hard-fought.
As Sabalenka prepares for the semifinals, her focus remains on sustaining her high level of play amidst rigorous competition at AO 2026.
