Iva Jovic Shares How Aryna Sabalenka Inspired Her After Australia Open Loss

Last Updated:January 27, 2026, 11:46 IST

Iva Jovic called Aryna Sabalenka inspiring after losing 6-3, 6-0 in the Australian Open quarter-finals. Jovic, ranked 29, made her Grand Slam last eight debut at Melbourne Park.

Iva Jovic during Australia Open. (AFP Photo)

Teenage sensation Iva Jovic praised Aryna Sabalenka as “inspiring" after the world number one gave the 18-year-old a tennis lesson in the Australian Open quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Fearless American Jovic reached the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time, making a significant impact with her performances.

However, the powerful Belarusian Sabalenka proved to be on another level, defeating her 6-3, 6-0 in the Rod Laver Arena heat.

Los Angeles-based Jovic, ranked 29, described just being at Melbourne Park as “a dream".

“Aryna played very well. I could have done some things differently, but that’s tennis," she said.

“It’s incredible what she’s achieved in her career.

“It’s very inspiring," she said of the four-time Grand Slam winner.

“The way she’s managed to turn all the negative things in her career and personal life into motivation and fuel to improve is amazing.

“I hope to get more chances to play against her, and she was very nice at the end of the match as well."

Jovic, ranked 191 this time last year, won her maiden title in 2025 at Guadalajara at age 17, and started the year strong, reaching the semi-finals in Auckland and the final at Hobart.

“Ultimately I hope to play in many more quarter-finals, so today’s win or loss won’t define my career," she said.

“Considering the position I was in coming into the tournament, I have to be happy with this result.

“It’s tough to lose, so it wasn’t the outcome I wanted today, but overall, I’m happy."

(With agency inputs)

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