Iva Jovic: The Teenager Set to Test Sabalenka in Melbourne

Iva Jovic: The Rising Star Ready to Challenge Sabalenka

At just 18 years old, American sensation Iva Jovic is turning heads with a breakout run at the Australian Open 2026, reaching her first Grand Slam quarter-final without dropping a set.

Ranked 27th in the world, Jovic is the youngest American woman to make the last eight in Melbourne since Venus Williams in 1998. And her performances have drawn praise from the biggest name in tennis — Novak Djokovic.

“She definitely has all the tools to be a future champion and a future number one,” said the 24-time Grand Slam winner, who also revealed an emotional connection to Jovic due to her Serbian heritage.

From 191st to the Top 30: A Meteoric Rise

Only one year ago, Jovic was ranked outside the world’s top 190. Her rapid rise has included:

• WTA title in Guadalajara

• WTA 125 title in Ilkley

• Hobart International finalist (2026)

• Semi-finals in Auckland (2026)

She now leads the WTA Tour with 11 wins in 2026, showcasing a blend of power, precision, and purpose.

Former pros are taking notice:

“She brings beautiful energy, intensity and purpose behind every ball,” said Annabel Croft on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Her technique is unbelievable. She’s super disciplined and committed,” added Daniela Hantuchova.

A Champion’s Mindset & Serbian Connection

Born in California to a Serbian father and Croatian mother, Jovic has earned support from Djokovic, who said:

“I got to know Iva last year. She’s so young, already making great strides. I feel emotionally connected to her background and try to help.”

Her mature on-court demeanor and relentless work ethic have marked her as the “ultimate professional”, despite her age.

Suffocating Style, Fearless Attitude

Jovic’s aggressive baseline game and relentless pressure have “suffocated opponents”, as Croft noted. In her most dominant performance, she defeated Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1 in just 53 minutes.

She also earned her first career top-10 win against Jasmine Paolini in the third round — proof of her ability to rise to the occasion.

“She’s taking the bull by the horns. There’s a fear factor — nobody wants to lose to an 18-year-old,” Croft said.

The Challenge: Aryna Sabalenka Awaits

Next up is world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is on a nine-match win streak after her Brisbane title and is chasing her third Australian Open crown.

But Jovic’s freedom, freshness, and lack of pressure may work to her advantage.

“She’s in that honeymoon period — new, fearless, and players don’t quite know how to play her yet,” Croft said.

“It’s going to be really interesting.”

With nothing to lose, Jovic is poised to give the defending champion her toughest test yet.