Portugal Colonial - Jovic hails 'inspiring' Sabalenka and says Melbourne run just the start

Fearless American Jovic was in the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time and claimed some notable scalps on the way to announce herself to the world.

But the powerful Belarusian Sabalenka was on a different level, sweeping her aside 6-3, 6-0 in the Rod Laver Arena heat.

The Los Angeles-based Jovic, ranked 29, said just being at Melbourne Park was "a dream".

"I think Aryna played very well. I could have done some things differently, but that's tennis," she said.

"I think it's amazing what she's done for herself in her career.

"It's very inspiring," she added of the four-time Grand Slam winner.

"I think the way she's been able to use all the negative things -- I know her story quite well.

"All the negative things that have happened to her on court and in her personal life as well and turned them into motivation and fuel to be better is amazing.

"I hope to get more chances to play against her, and she was very nice at the end of the match as well."

Jovic, who this time last year was ranked 191, claimed her maiden title in 2025 at Guadalajara aged 17 and started the year in sizzling form, making the semi-finals in Auckland and the final at Hobart.

"Ultimately I hope to be in many quarter-finals, so I don't think that this win or loss today is going to make or break my career really," she said.

"I think considering the position that I was in coming into the tournament, obviously I have to be happy with this result.

"It's hard whenever you lose, so obviously not what I wanted today, but happy overall."

V.F.Barreira--PC