Sabalenka routed 18-year-old Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 in the Australian Open quarters; punters should back Sabalenka in head-to-head and sets markets (favouring straight-sets or -1.5 sets), and consider game-handicap or 6-0/6-1 scores in hot conditions, while Jovic’s odds to beat top-5 opponents will likely lengthen until she regains form.
Sabalenka steamrolls teen sensation Iva Jovic to reach Australian Open semi-finals
Aryna Sabalenka produced a clinical performance to end Iva Jovic’s fairytale run at the Australian Open, beating the 18-year-old American 6-3, 6-0 on Rod Laver Arena. The world No. 1’s raw power and consistency overwhelmed the Californian, who had captured headlines throughout the fortnight with fearless tennis and composed off-court remarks.
Match summary
Sabalenka controlled rallies with thunderous first-strike tennis, breaking early and closing the opening set 6-3. Jovic showed fight but was unable to find answers to Sabalenka’s heavy serve and booming groundstrokes. The second set collapsed quickly as Sabalenka raced to a 5-0 lead and wrapped up the match in dominant fashion.
Jovic’s breakthrough week
Ranked 29th entering the tournament, Jovic reached the quarter-finals after wins over Yulia Putintseva and a major upset of No.7 seed Jasmine Paolini. Her run followed solid pre-season form, including a semi-final in Auckland and a final in Hobart, and has stamped her as one of America’s most promising young players.
Tactical and personal context
Jovic credited tactical tips from Novak Djokovic — notably advice to “open up the court” and seek more width — which helped her progress earlier in the event. Off court, she used her platform to appeal for unity amid protests in the United States, saying: “I hope going forward that we can have a lot more peace in our country and more kindness in the way we speak to each other.”
Betting implications
This result reinforces Sabalenka as a heavy favourite in match-winner and set markets when she faces aggressive opponents in hot conditions.
Punters should consider backing Sabalenka in straight-sets markets, sets handicap (-1.5), or tighter game handicaps in markets that offer dominant-score outcomes.
Jovic’s odds to upset top-5 players are likely to drift until she regains confidence against high-powered opponents; backing her at boosted prices in lower-stakes markets could offer value while she rebuilds.
What’s next
Sabalenka advances to the semi-finals, where she will be expected to continue her title defence. Jovic returns to the U.S. having announced herself on the global stage; her development this season will be watched closely as she converts breakout promise into consistent results.
The 18-year-old Californian was dismantled by a ruthless Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals, falling 6-3, 6-0 in the blistering heat in Melbourne.
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