Hollywood juggernaut: Iva Jovic crashes the top 10 party to reach maiden Australian Open round of 16
American 18-year-old Iva Jovic claimed her first top 10 scalp with a 6-2, 7-6(3) win over Jasmine Paolini, as the winningest player on the WTA tour in 2026.
Iva Jovic, Australian Ope 2026 | © Photosport / PsNewz
The 2026 Australian Open has its newest American sensation. On a humid Friday night in Melbourne, 18-year-old Iva Jovic produced the most significant performance of her young career, stunning the world No 7 and seventh seed Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 7-6(3).
Jovic, the No 29 seed, demonstrated a blend of enormous talent and a veteran’s composure to navigate the biggest stage of her life, securing a place in the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time. The victory is not just a milestone but a statement of intent, as Jovic has now recorded 10 wins in 2026 – more than any other woman on the professional tour this season.
The match began with Jovic dictating play from the baseline, utilizing her tremendous work ethic to outmaneuver the experienced Italian. Paolini, who had reached the third round with clinical wins over Magdalena Frech and Aliaksandra Sasnovich, found herself unable to disrupt the rhythm of the world No 30.
Jovic raced through the opening set 6-2, but the second set developed into a genuine tactical tussle as Paolini began to find her range. Despite the increased pressure, the American stayed remarkably calm in the tiebreak to seal the straight-sets victory in under two hours.
Breaking the top 10 barrier in Melbourne
For Jovic, the win represents the falling of a major career hurdle. Having arrived in the third round following dominant straight-sets victories over Priscilla Hon and Katie Volynets, the teenager proved she belongs among the elite.
After the match, Jovic was visibly moved by the achievement of her first-ever win over a top 10 opponent. “It feels amazing. I’ve been working really hard for it. Had a couple tough losses. I’m just so happy to get through that barrier and get the win today,” Jovic said when asked about the milestone.
Her 10-2 record to start the year – Svitolina and Cocciareto were her conquerors – is a testament to the “Stanimal-like” grit she has brought to the 2026 season. Observers have highlighted her great attitude and athleticism as the primary drivers behind her ascent. By reaching the second week, she becomes one of the youngest American women to advance this far in Melbourne in the last decade, joining an elite group of teenage stars who have transitioned successfully from the junior ranks to the second week of a major.
Family support and a clash with Putintseva
The victory was made even sweeter by the presence of a vocal support group that traveled from Los Angeles to witness the breakthrough. The crowd noticed several fans wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Jovic’s face, a detail that provided a lighthearted moment during her post-match interview.
When asked if she had granted them the rights to print the shirts, Jovic laughed. “Honestly my family have a mind of their own. They do what they want. I love it. They did that all on their own. They flew from LA to watch me and have some fun. I don’t know anyone else with family like that. Very nice of you guys,” Jovic said.
The focus now shifts to the fourth round, where Iva Jovic will face the world No 94 Yulia Putintseva. The Kazakh veteran reached the last 16 earlier on Friday after ending the fairy-tale run of Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez.
The matchup will be a fascinating contrast in styles, pitting the raw power and momentum of the 18-year-old Jovic against the tactical “bag of tricks” and defensive variety of Putintseva. As Jovic continues her historic run, her status as a joy to watch is quickly becoming the primary storyline of the 2026 Australian Open women’s draw.
