Iva Jović is set to face Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open. This match will mark the first meeting between the two players on the WTA Tour. Ahead of the matchup, the American shared her thoughts on competing against the World No. 1.
In addition to her singles campaign at the Melbourne Major, Jović is also competing in the doubles event with Victoria Mboko. The duo has advanced to the second round, where they will take on the fourth-seeded team of Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai.
Iva Jović Opens Up About Facing Aryna Sabalenka at the 2026 Australian Open QF
Jović is seeded 29th at the 2026 Australian Open, and she began her campaign by defeating compatriot Katie Volynets (6-2, 6-3) in the first round. She went on to eliminate Wild Card Priscilla Hon (6-1, 6-2) and seventh seed Jasmine Paolini (6-2, 7-6(3)) in the second and third rounds, respectively. The 18-year-old secured her spot in the quarterfinals by overcoming Yulia Putintseva (6-0, 6-1) in the fourth round.
During her post-match on-court interview following the fourth-round victory, Jović expressed that she was “excited” about facing Sabalenka in the quarterfinals. She stated that she would focus on her own game and acknowledged that Sabalenka is the World No. 1 for a reason, highlighting her success in Melbourne.
Jović stated that she is eager to play against Sabalenka because she wants to measure her own game against the “best.”
“Yeah, I think I’m just going to try to keep taking care of my side of the net. Obviously, she’s number one for a reason and has had so much success at this tournament, but that’s what I want. I said it last year. I hope to be able to play her this year cuz you definitely want to play the best and see how it goes. So, I’m just really excited,” Jović said.
Sabalenka is a two-time Australian Open champion, who won the title in 2023 and 2024 by defeating Elena Rybakina and Zheng Qinwen in the finals, respectively. Last year at the Grand Slam tournament, she finished as the runner-up to Madison Keys.
This year, Sabalenka is the top seed at the Melbourne Major, and she advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Wild Card Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah, qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan, Anastasia Potapova, and 17th seed Victoria Mboko in the first four rounds.
The winner of the quarterfinal match between Sabalenka and Jović will face either third seed Coco Gauff, eighth seed Mirra Andreeva, 12th seed Elina Svitolina, or 19th seed KarolÃna Muchová in the semifinals.
