Iva Jovic’s remarkable run at the Australian Open continued with a dominant victory against Yulia Putintseva.
The American teenager was on court for less than an hour as she dropped just one game against the Kazakhstani star.
Jovic, who has been backed by Novak Djokovic, will now play world number one Aryna Sabalenka for a chance in the Australian Open semi-final.
With her landmark victory, Jovic equalled a record set by Venus Williams at the Australian Open 28 years ago.
Iva Jovic emulated Venus Williams at the Australian Open
Jovic has been dominant in Melbourne as she has defeated Katie Volynets, Priscilla Hon, Jasmine Paolini, and now Putinseva without dropping a set.
The 18-year-old has become the youngest player to reach the last eight of the Australian Open without dropping a set since Williams in 1998.
Who has impressed you the most?
Williams defeated Alexia Dechaume-Balleret, Serena Williams, Amelie Mauresmo, and Patty Schnyder to achieve the feat 28 years ago.
The bad omen for Jovic is that Williams fell at the next stage to a top seed, after losing in three sets to Lindsay Davenport.
Jovic will be hoping to sidestep that Williams record as she looks to find a way past Sabalenka in the next round.
The young star will be one of three American stars to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, with Coco Gauff and either Madison Keys or Jessica Pegula set for the last eight.
Iva Jovic’s dream has come true at the Australian Open
Jovic has been hotly-tipped to join the elite of the WTA Tour for the past year, particularly after winning her first title at the Guadalajara Open in September.
The young American has always had her expectations sky high and she will get her ‘dream match’ at the Australian Open.
Who has impressed you most so far at the Australian Open?
In 2025, Christian’s Court asked the talented teenager who she would most like to play on the WTA Tour in 2026.
She responded instantly by name-checking world number one, Sabalenka. “I think that would be an unbelievable matchup.”
Just two months later, and the star’s incredible run at the Australian Open has ensured her dream will come true.
