Australian Open 2026: Teenagers stun as Aryna Sabalenka pushed and divisive star bundled out

Teenagers Iva Jovic and Victoria Mboko are the talk of the tennis world after Mboko produced an ‘incredible’ fight against Aryna Sabalenka and Jovic sent Yulia Putintseva packing from the Australian Open on Sunday. The 18-year-old Jovic destroyed Putintseva with a 6-0 6-1 thrashing, sending the divisive star home in just 53 minutes.

It came after Putintseva divided opinion with her response to what she described as ‘disrespectful’ treatment from fans in her previous win over Zeynep Sönmez. The Kazakh player danced in front of vocal Turkish fans – who then booed her relentlessly during an on-court interview – after Putintseva said they’d been trying to put her off throughout the match.

She crashed back to earth on Sunday after Dylan Alcott predicted she was on a hiding to nothing. “I think you’re asking for it from the crowd, next time you play,” he said on Channel 9. “We’ll see what happens when she steps back on the court.”

American sensation Jovic – seeded 29th after a meteoric rise in 2025 – will face World No.1 Sabalenka in the quarters. It’s the first time the 18-year-old has made the last eight of a grand slam, having never previously made it past the second round.

Victoria Mboko’s ‘unbelievable’ display against Aryna Sabalenka

Mboko showed that she too has a bright future after the 19-year-old Canadian caused a sensation against Sabalenka. The 17th seed come into the fourth round clash as a massive underdog, and the four-time grand slam champ showed why as Sabalenka blitzed the first set 6-1.

Sabalenka then held a 4-1 lead in the second set and appeared to be on her way to an easy march into the quarter-finals. But Mboko caused a huge shock as she stormed all the way back and claimed a 6-5 lead.

The teenager saved four match points as she staved off everything Sabalenka threw at her with the match on the line. Mboko ultimately fell short as Sabalenka took the match in a commanding tiebreak, winning it 7-1.

It marks 20-consecutive tiebreaks that Sabalenka has won – breaking Novak Djokovic’s record for most in the Open era. Despite going down, Mboko earned the plaudits of the tennis world with her incredible fight-back. “We’re floored by how good this tennis is,” Brenton Speed said on Channel 9. “Unbelievable turnaround.

“Credit to Victoria Mboko. What a learning experience this has been reaching the round of 16 for the first time. Third round at the French last year. She’s got such a bright future.”

Sam Stosur said after the final point: “She held her head high, didn’t give up at any moment, played very, very well. But unfortunately for her, just came up against someone who was better on the day.

“I can’t wait to watch her play in more grand slams and see where her career is going to take her. Still so young and gaining experience every single time she steps out on court. So she’s definitely going to be one of the teenagers and young players to watch in the future.”

Aryna Sabalenka heaps praise on Victoria Mboko

Sabalenka was also blown away by Mboko’s level. “What an incredible player for for such a young age,” said the two-time champ. “It’s incredible to see this.

“These kids coming up on tour. I mean, I can’t believe I say that because I feel like a kid still. Incredible player pushed me really hard today and super happy with the win and once again in straight sets. She played incredible tennis. She pushed me so much and happy to be through.”

The ‘Tennis Letter’ account wrote on social media: “Jaw-dropping power and precision at just 19 years old. A joy to watch.” Another pundit predicted: “Mboko winning a slam in the next 2-3 years feels inevitable.”