Teenager Iva Jovic says she is “really excited” to test herself against “the best” after booking a maiden Grand Slam quarter-final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open.
American Jovic, who turned 18 in December, dropped only one game in a convincing 6-0 6-1 win against Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva.
Earlier on Sunday, two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka defeated another of tennis’ rising stars – 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko – 6-1 7-6 (7-1) on Rod Laver Arena.
Asked about meeting Sabalenka in the next round, Jovic said: “I think I’m just going to try to keep taking care of my side of the net.
“Obviously she’s number one for a reason and has had so much success at this tournament, but that’s what I want.
“I said last year that I hoped to be able to play here this year, because you definitely want to play the best and see how it goes. I’m really excited.
