Iva Jovic Stuns Seventh Seed at Australian Open, Rising Stars Shine
The Australian Open witnessed a major upset on Friday as 18-year-old American Iva Jovic delivered a sensational performance, defeating seventh-seeded Italian Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 7-6(3). This victory marks Jovic’s first-ever Grand Slam quarter-final appearance and solidifies her status as a player to watch.
Jovic Overcomes Past Losses, Extends Win Streak
This win was particularly sweet for Jovic, as Paolini had previously defeated her at both Indian Wells and the U.S. Open. “It feels amazing, I’ve been working really hard for it. I’ve been wanting this one for a while now,” Jovic shared after the match. She also noted overcoming previous tough losses, stating, “I’m just so happy to get through that barrier and get the win today.” Jovic now boasts a tour-leading 10-match win streak in 2026.
Match Details and Jovic’s Strategy
The match wasn’t without its challenges. Jovic had the opportunity to close out the match on serve but faced a resilient comeback from Paolini, forcing a tiebreak. However, Jovic demonstrated remarkable composure, winning the final five points to secure her place in the fourth round. “I tried to focus on what I was doing earlier in the match, being really aggressive and controlling the play,” Jovic explained. “I think when I served for the match, I got a little too passive. So I told myself to go out swinging and it helped in the tiebreak.”
North American Teenagers Shine
Jovic’s victory was part of a broader trend of strong performances from North American teenagers. 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko also advanced to the fourth round with a hard-fought 7-6(5) 5-7 6-3 win over Clara Tauson. This showcases the growing talent emerging from the region.
Paolini Cites Illness, Praises Jovic
Jasmine Paolini, currently ranked eighth in the world, took a medical timeout during the opening set, later revealing she was battling a stomach issue. “I think I lay down on the sofa after lunch and that wasn’t a good idea for my stomach. I stepped on court and I couldn’t move at my best,” she explained. Despite her discomfort, Paolini was gracious in defeat, praising Jovic’s maturity and skill. “She’s very tough opponent already — very mature on court, not many mistakes,” Paolini said. “She’s playing good every shot, basically. So I think she has a really bright future ahead.”
The Australian Open continues to deliver thrilling matches and highlight the next generation of tennis stars. While Novak Djokovic remains a dominant force in the sport, players like Iva Jovic are proving they are ready to challenge the established order.
Source: NBC News
