World number one Aryna Sabalenka continued her relentless march toward a third Australian Open title, dismantling American teenager Iva Jovic 6-3 6-0 in the quarter-finals.
The victory extends Sabalenka’s perfect start to 2026, marking 10 consecutive wins without dropping a single set.
The 27-year-old Belarusian is now the first woman since Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis to reach eight consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals.
Sabalenka described her approach as “trophy or nothing,” emphasizing a singular focus on reclaiming the title she last won in 2024.
Played in blistering heat exceeding 40°C, the match concluded just before tournament officials closed the Rod Laver Arena roof due to extreme heat stress.
Despite the dominant scoreline, Sabalenka praised Jovic and previous opponent Victoria Mboko, noting that the rising stars provided a stern physical test.
Sabalenka will face either third seed Coco Gauff or Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals as she hunts for her fifth career Grand Slam singles title.
