World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her 2026 Australian Open title campaign early Tuesday, defeating 18-year-old US tennis star Iva Jović 6-2, 6-3.
The victory advances the 27-year-old to the Grand Slam's semifinals. There she remains the favorite after several top seeds — including No. 3 Coco Gauff and defending champion Madison Keys — fell in earlier rounds.
In the quarterfinal match, Sabalenka used her trademark power to overwhelm her teenage opponent. The Belarusian broke started strong and maintained a high level of aggression throughout. Playing in her first career Grand Slam quarterfinal, Jović struggled to find an answer for the veteran's depth and velocity.
"The second set, I felt like I had to step in and put even more pressure on her," Sabalenka said postmatch. "Because I can see that she's young, she's hungry, and I could tell during the match that no matter the score, she's still going to be there trying."
"These teenagers have tested me in the last couple of rounds — incredible player," she continued, singing Jović's praises. "It was a tough match. Don't look at the score. She played incredible tennis and she pushed me to a one-step better level. It was a battle."
Sabalenka now prepares for a semifinal matchup against Ukraine’s No. 12 Elina Svitolina. Svitolina advanced earlier on Tuesday after defeating Coco Gauff in straight sets. Sabalenka holds a 5-1 head-to-head advantage over Svitolina, and has yes to drop a set this tournament.
With Madison Keys out of the draw, Sabalenka remains the only former Australian Open champion remaining in the women's singles bracket.
How to watch Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open semifinals
The Australian Open semifinals kick off tomorrow, as Sabalenka takes on Svitolina live on ESPN (timing TBD).
