Australian Open Shock: 18-Year-Old American Iva Jovic Stuns

The New American Sweetheart: 18-Year-Old Iva Jovic Stuns the Australian Open, Coco Gauff Survives, and Sinner Sweats

We have our first true “Cinderella” of Melbourne.

While the world was watching the top seeds, 18-year-old American Iva Jovic just kicked down the door.

  • The Upset: Jovic, who is playing in her first major breakout season, dominated Italian 7th seed Jasmine Paolini(6-2, 7-6) on John Cain Arena this afternoon.
  • The Stat: Jovic is the youngest American to reach the Round of 16 in Australia since Coco Gauff herself.
Iva Jovic
Iva Jovic of the U.S. reacts during her third round match against Jasmine Paolini of Italy at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Meanwhile…

  • Coco Gauff had to battle. She dropped the first set to fellow American Hailey Baptiste but rallied to win (3-6, 6-0, 6-3). She looked shaky, but champions win ugly.
  • Jannik Sinner is currently in a dogfight with unseeded American Eliot Spizzirri, proving that the Melbourne heat is leveling the playing field.

The Verdict: American tennis is officially deep. Keep an eye on Jovic—she plays with zero fear.

Gauff
Tamara Fellner
Tamara Fellner
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