Australian Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka Cruises into Semifinals with 6-3, 6-0 Win

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run at the Australian Open 2026 , advancing to the women’s singles semifinals with a ruthless 6-3, 6-0 victory over 18-year-old American Iva Jovic in a one-sided quarter-final clash at Melbourne Park on Tuesday. The emphatic win marked another commanding performance from the Belarusian star as she closes in on a potential third Australian Open title in four years.

Sabalenka wasted little time asserting her authority in the sweltering Melbourne conditions, surging to an early 3-0 lead in the opening set. While Jovic, playing in her maiden Grand Slam quarter-final, managed to hold serve once and briefly apply pressure, Sabalenka’s relentless groundstrokes and booming serve consistently pushed the teenager onto the defensive. The world No. 1 wrapped up the first set comfortably and never looked under serious threat thereafter.

The second set proved even more one-sided, with Sabalenka breaking serve early and maintaining complete control throughout the match. Her blend of powerful serving, deep penetrating shots and sharp court movement left Jovic scrambling for answers. Sabalenka sealed the contest in emphatic fashion, conceding just three games in total in a clinical display of Australian Open tennis at its highest level.

Beyond the raw power, Sabalenka’s performance highlighted her evolution into one of the most complete players on the WTA Tour. Her improved tactical awareness, patience in rallies and ability to vary pace and placement proved decisive on a day when extreme heat added an extra layer of difficulty for both players. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Sabalenka acknowledged Jovic’s competitive spirit, noting that the young American forced her to raise her intensity early in the match.

The match took place amid extreme temperatures in Melbourne, with organizers at one point invoking the tournament’s Extreme Heat Policy as conditions soared. While the rains and heat impacted numerous matches across the day, even prompting roof closures on main showcourts, Sabalenka completed her quarter-final before conditions worsened.

For Jovic, the run to the Australian Open quarter-finals marked a breakthrough moment. The teenager had earlier stunned more experienced opponents, including a swift win over Yulia Putintseva, and her athleticism and fearless shot-making underlined her status as one of the rising stars in women’s tennis. Despite the experience gap, her Melbourne showing signalled her arrival on the Grand Slam stage.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka will face either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina for a place in the final. Both opponents present distinct challenges: Gauff with her athleticism and all-court game, and Svitolina with her consistency and strategic depth. Sabalenka’s unblemished run through the tournament thus far and her ability to elevate her game under pressure suggest she’s more than ready for the next hurdle.

Should Sabalenka go on to lift the trophy, she would claim a third Australian Open crown in four years, a remarkable achievement that would further cement her dominance at Melbourne Park. As the tournament enters its decisive stages, attention will remain firmly fixed on the defending champion’s pursuit of yet another Grand Slam title.