World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run at the Australian Open on Tuesday, January 27, brushing aside teenager Iva Jovic to reach the semifinals in Melbourne.

The Belarusian star showed no signs of slowing down despite punishing heat, dismantling the 18-year-old in straight sets to move within two wins of another title at Melbourne Park.

Sabalenka arrived at the quarterfinals with questions lingering after an uneven start to the tournament, but she answered them emphatically with a focused and ruthless display. Her power and composure overwhelmed Jovic from the opening games, leaving little room for resistance.

The match lasted just under 90 minutes, with Sabalenka dictating rallies and forcing errors as temperatures climbed well above 30 degrees Celsius. Even with the Rod Laver Arena roof open, she maintained control and tempo throughout.

Sabalenka sharpens form as stakes rise

Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline game proved decisive as she consistently pushed Jovic behind the court. The world No. 1 piled up winners and served efficiently, never allowing the American teenager to settle into a rhythm.

After the match, Sabalenka downplayed the scoreline and credited Jovic for her competitiveness. She emphasized the physical and mental demands of playing in such extreme conditions, noting her satisfaction with how she managed the challenge.

Semifinal showdown looms in Melbourne

With the victory, Sabalenka set herself up for a potential blockbuster semifinal against Coco Gauff. The American was scheduled to face 12th seed Elina Svitolina later in the night session, with the winner earning a shot at the top seed.

Sabalenka, the champion in Melbourne in 2023 and 2024, remains firmly on course for a historic third consecutive Australian Open title as the tournament enters its decisive stages on Tuesday, January 28.