Australian Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka crushes teen phenom as Iga Swiatek falls foul of strict Open rule

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has proven why she is still the player to beat at this year’s Australian Open having raised her game to crush Iva Jovic. While Iga Swiatek was left stranded at Melbourne Park after forgetting her credentials following her win over Maddison Inglis.

Sabalenka was facing a tricky prospect in the quarter-final with 18-year-old Jovic proving to be the breakout star of this year’s tournament. However, Sabalenka’s baseline power was way too much for the talented youngster as she hit Jovic off the court in the second set to win 6-3 6-0.

Sabalenka and Jovic took to the court with temperatures expected to reach 40C on Tuesday afternoon. And the duo played with the roof open. But as soon as Sabalenka started to find her rhythm she was unstoppable on a court she has enjoyed plenty of success on.

Sabalenka was complimentary of her opponent after the match, despite the scoreline flattering the World No.1. “She’s an an incredible player and it was a tough match,” she said during her on-court interview.

Jovic has a bright future in tennis being the youngest woman to reach the Australian Open quarter-final since Nicole Vaidosova in 2007. She was also the lowest seed of any player in the women’s or men’s draw to reach the quarters. But the 18-year-old came up against a player at the top of her performance at Melbourne Park.

Sabalenka is the first woman to move into the semi-final. She will play the winner of Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina who take to Rod Laver Arena later on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Swiatek was left waiting at security in Melbourne Park after forgetting her credentials.

Iga Swiatek comes up against Aus Open security

Footage came to light after her demolition of Australian qualifier Inglis showing Swiatek stuck at Melbourne Park security. Swiatek appeared to be entering Rod Laver Arena, but was stopped at the entrace.

Swiatek called someone to bring her credentials and waited patiently for a few minutes. She was eventually let through and entered into a jog after getting past security. Swiatek certainly isn’t the first superstar to be stopped at Melbourne Park having forgotten their credentials.

Roger Federer was famously stopped at security in 2019 before entering the locker room. He patiently waited as members of his team arrived with credentials. Rafa Nadal was also stopped at Melbourne Park when trying to enter back in 2020. Fresh off a practice session, Nadal tried to enter a part of Melbourne Park. Although he wasn’t carrying his credentials.

Nadal was let through after another security member recognised the star and allowed him to enter. Ironically, Nadal then walked past a photo of himself on the wall – albeit a silhouette – of himself playing at the Australian Open.