A lot of hype
Iva Jovic is the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal without losing a set since 1998 and a certain Venus Williams. No less. She’s just beaten her first top 10 and literally humiliated seeded player Putintseva, 6–0 6–1 in 52 minutes. A one-way match.
Her pro story started on the ITF circuit in 2023 with a W35 title, and here she already is in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. All of that topped off by a very interesting interview quote: she explained that she has a very good relationship with Djokovic, from whom she regularly receives advice. I quote: “I applied them straight away against Paolini, and it looks like it worked pretty well.” Hard to get a clearer sign than that.
Add to that all the carefree confidence that comes with her age. We’re clearly witnessing the birth of a WTA monster. When big ATP names start taking a close interest, it’s rarely a coincidence. The potential is there, acknowledged, and already very visible on court. Impressive in every area of the game. Out of twelve games against Putintseva, she only let her opponent get to 40 three times. No free points, constant pressure, total domination.
Her post-match interview ended with a very telling line: “I’d been waiting for a while for this match against the number 1, I can’t wait.” The “kid” will finish in the top 20 no matter what. Hats off.
On the other side, Sabalenka still hasn’t dropped a single set. Nothing surprising, you might say. And yet, this isn’t the Gucci version. She’s dropped 28 games in four matches; we’ve seen better from the Belarusian. Three tiebreaks played as well, but you have to give her one thing, whether you like her or not: she stays ultra clutch in those moments.
As far as I remember, Jovic hasn’t yet faced any really big servers, and that’s probably where things might get tricky. She did beat her first top 10, sure, but a slightly physically diminished Paolini. This match will be a huge learning experience for her, no doubt about it. However, I still see her as just a bit short to take a set here.
