MELBOURNE, Jan 27 - Aryna Sabalenka handed 18-year-old American Iva Jovic a comprehensive 6-3 6-0 defeat in the quarter-finals at a sweltering Melbourne Park on Tuesday to remain on course for a third Australian Open title in four years.

The world number one, champion in 2023 and 2024 and runner-up last year, will meet either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina for a place in Saturday's title match.