Australian Open 2026: Meet the ‘future top seed’ Iva Jovic takes on Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals

Jovic is ranked 27th in the world and is playing her first Grand Slam tournament as a ranked player.

Just 12 months ago, she was 191st in the world rankings.

She won her first WTA Tour title in Guadalajara, Mexico during the 2025 season, while also winning her first WTA 125 title at the Ilkley Open.

She started 2026 well, reaching the semi-finals in Auckland before reaching the final of the Hobart International, where she lost to Italian Elisabetta Cocchiarito.

Annabelle Croft, the former British number one, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “She is like a bright light, she exploded onto the scene, she appeared very quickly but she brings a sense of purpose every time she hits the ball. You just have to watch the intensity of the footwork and there is a purpose behind every ball she hits.”

Jovic has won 11 matches this year – more than anyone else on the WTA Tour.

“This is great news for women’s tennis and I’m very excited every time she steps on the court because it brings a lot of sunshine, a lot of light and beautiful energy,” added former world number five Daniela Hantuchova.

“She is very professional, very disciplined, committed and her attitude is unbelievable.”