Australian Open 2026: Iva Jovic and Victoria Mpoko – doubles partners lead the teenage handicap

Jovic is 16 months younger than Mpoko, turning 18 just six weeks before the Australian Open.

She made her professional debut in June 2022 before reaching the second round in her first appearance in the main draw of the US Open in 2024, including knocking out then world number 42 Magda Linette.

Like Mpoko, the former world number two among juniors has enjoyed a memorable 2025, winning her first WTA title at the Guadalajara Open last September and climbing into the top 40.

Preparing for the Australian Open with semi-final and final appearances in Auckland and Hobart respectively, she reached the fourth round in Melbourne without dropping a set.

Against Paolini, to whom she lost in straight sets at the US Open last year, Jovic made her way easily in the opening set, breaking the Italian three times and controlling the exchanges from the baseline, before holding her nerve in the tiebreak of the second set after failing to serve twice in the match.

Jovic, who is of Serbian descent, told herself to “come out swinging” in the tie-break, and later praised the support of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

“I spoke with Novak a little bit yesterday. It was very amazing,” Jovic said.

“He gave me some very precise advice on my game – to open up the court a little better, not to rush the shot all the time, find more width.

“I tried to do that and it turned out well. I’ll try to keep listening to Novak.”