Jovic is 16 months junior to Mboko and turns 18 just six weeks before the Australian Open.
She made her professional bow in June 2022 before reaching the second round of her US Open main draw debut in 2024, including toppling then world number 42 Magda Linette.
Like Mboko, the former junior world number two had a memorable 2025, notably capturing her first WTA title at the Guadalajara Open in September and climbing into the top 40.
As she warmed up for the Australian Open with semi-finals and finals in Auckland and Hobart respectively, she has reached the fourth round in Melbourne without dropping a set.
Against Paolini, to whom she lost in straight sets at last year’s US Open, Jovic romped through the opener, breaking the Italian’s serve three times and dominating baseline exchanges before holding her nerve in the second set tiebreak after twice failing to serve for the match.
Jovic, who is of Serbian descent, told herself to go out “swinging” during the tiebreak and later cheered support from 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
“I talked to Novak a little bit yesterday. It was pretty incredible,” Jovic said.
“He gave me some very thoughtful tips for my game: to open up the playing field a little better, to not always rush into shots, to find a little more width.
“I tried that and it turned out well. I’m just going to try to keep listening to Novak.”
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