Sabalenka Dominates Jovic, Extends Grand Slam Semi-Final Streak to 12 of 13
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Aryna Sabalenka’s relentless form continued at the Australian Open, securing her place in the semi-finals with a commanding 6-3, 6-0 victory over American Iva Jovic. The win not only propels the world No. 1 closer to a potential third title in Melbourne, but also extends an extraordinary run of success in major tournaments.
By the second set, it was clear that Sabalenka had found her rhythm, entering a state of flow where she appeared capable of dictating every aspect of the match. Up 2-0 and aggressively pursuing a double break, she showcased her evolving skillset with a stunning forehand half-volley winner, a shot that would have impressed even the most celebrated volleyers of past generations.
This performance represents a significant evolution for the Belarusian star. Once reliant on sheer power, Sabalenka has transformed into a remarkably well-rounded player, capable of suffocating opponents with the completeness of her game and a diverse range of tactical options. “When I’m in the tournament, I’m not thinking about that, but sometimes we all stop for a second and we think the level we were able to reach, it sounds really incredible and tough to believe,” Sabalenka said. “For sure, sometimes I just think that it’s unbelievable what I was able to achieve.”
Jovic’s Valiant Effort
Despite the decisive scoreline, the match wasn’t without moments of resistance from Jovic, the youngest player currently ranked inside the top 150. The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough tournament in Melbourne, achieving a career-best result and securing a place inside the top 20 with her run to the quarter-finals. She had previously defeated the No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini.
Jovic initially trailed 3-0 but demonstrated resilience, fighting off break points in subsequent games and remaining competitive throughout the first set. She even generated three break points on Sabalenka’s serve, saving two set points before ultimately succumbing to a blistering backhand winner that closed out the set.
Sabalenka’s Second-Set Surge
However, the gap in experience and level proved insurmountable. Sabalenka elevated her game in the second set, demonstrating a dominance rarely seen at the highest levels of the sport. She relentlessly attacked, utilizing drop shots, aggressive net play, and consistently turning defense into offense with remarkable efficiency. “Definitely not many matches,” Sabalenka responded when asked if she often plays sets at that level. “In the second set I felt like I had to step in and put even more pressure on her, because I can see that she’s young, she’s hungry, and I could tell during the match that no matter what’s the score, she’s still going to be there trying and trying to figure her way. I knew that I have to step in and show the level and the class.”
This victory extends Sabalenka’s impressive grand slam record; she has now reached the semi-finals in 12 of her last 13 major tournaments. The only exception was the 2024 French Open, where she battled food poisoning during her quarter-final loss to Mirra Andreeva, a match she narrowly lost in three sets.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka awaits the winner of Tuesday night’s quarter-final between Coco Gauff, who defeated her in last year’s French Open final – a particularly painful loss – and Elina Svitolina. Once again, she remains a formidable contender for her fifth major title and a third Australian Open crown, having reached the final in Melbourne in the past four years.
