Boris Becker compares Iva Jovic to former world number one after latest Australian Open win

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Iva Jovic’s dream start to the 2026 season has continued at the Australian Open, where she has reached the fourth round.

Jovic reached the final at the Hobart International and she has now defeated Katie Volynets, Priscilla Hon, and Jasmine Paolini.

The only player to defeat Jovic in 2026 is Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who knocked the American out of the Hobart International.

After a stellar start to the year, Boris Becker has compared the star to a legendary WTA Tour player who has won multiple Grand Slams.

Boris Becker compares Iva Jovic to Martina Hingis

Speaking on social media, Boris Becker shared huge praise for the American 18-year-old after her shock victory against Paolini.

The German tennis icon said: “Jovic reminds me of Hingis by the way,” as the American secured her place in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time.

Jovic has only previously reached as far as the second round in a Grand Slam, at Roland Garros and the US Open in 2025.

The American has a huge chance to reach the quarter-final of a major for the first time, as she plays Yulia Putintseva in the fourth round.

Putintseva is currently 48 places below the American teenager in the WTA Tour live rankings, so she will be the favourite ahead of the match.

Iva Jovic could join the WTA Tour elite at the Australian Open

It’s a testament to Jovic’s immense ability on hard courts that her victory against Paolini didn’t seem like a major shock.

If the American gets past Putinseva, she will likely be set for the biggest challenge currently on the WTA Tour: a match with Aryna Sabalenka.

Sabalenka plays Victoria Mboko in her fourth round match as she looks to win the Australian Open for a third time in four years.

Whether Jovic reaches the latter stages of the tournament or not, she has already made major steps at the tournament.

Jovic currently sits at World No. 22 in the live rankings and she will likely crack the top 20 for the first time in her career if she beats Putinseva.