Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus greets the spectators after the women's singles quarterfinal match between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Iva Jovic of the United States at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

MELBOURNE, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defied sweltering heat in Melbourne on Tuesday to overwhelm teenager Iva Jovic in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Sabalenka took another step toward reclaiming the title she won at Melbourne Park in 2023 and 2024.

There were moments in the tournament's first week when Sabalenka's form was patchy, but she was sharp and composed in an 89-minute 6-3, 6-0 victory over 18-year-old Jovic.

"It was a tough match. Don't look at the score, it wasn't easy at all," Sabalenka said modestly. "I'm super happy with the win."

Temperatures were forecast to reach 45 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and had already hit 35 degrees by the start of the match.

With the roof not yet closed at Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka's heavy ball striking kept Jovic under constant pressure. The Belarusian finished with 31 winners and seven aces.

Sabalenka is on a semifinal collision course with American rival Coco Gauff, who plays 12th seed Elina Svitolina in Tuesday's night session. ■

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus hits a return during the women's singles quarterfinal match between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Iva Jovic of the United States at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Iva Jovic of the United States reacts during the women's singles quarterfinal match between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Iva Jovic of the United States at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus serves during the women's singles quarterfinal match between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Iva Jovic of the United States at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Aryna Sabalenka (R) of Belarus greets Iva Jovic of the United States after their women's singles quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus hits a return during the women's singles quarterfinal match between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Iva Jovic of the United States at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)