Aryna Sabalenka overcame searing heat and one of the most exciting talents in tennis to power into the Australian Open semi-finals on Tuesday, with Alexander Zverev serving up a storm to join her. World number one Sabalenka tamed 18-year-old American Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 in 38C temperatures and faces either third seed Coco Gauff or 12th seed Elina Svitolina for a place in the final. Last year’s runner-up Zverev sent down a barrage of 24 aces to crush another young United States player, Learner Tien, in four sets. That match was played under the Rod Laver Arena roof as temperatures peaked at 43C outside.

The German third seed faces either world number one Carlos Alcaraz or home hope Alex de Minaur in the last four.

Sabalenka is aiming to win a third Australian Open in four years and looks in ominous form, yet to drop a set.

“These teenagers have been testing me in the last couple of rounds,” said Sabalenka, 27, who is on a 10-match win streak after victory in Brisbane this month.

“It was a tough match. Don’t look at the score, it wasn’t easy at all.

“She played incredible tennis. Pushed me to one step better level. And I’m super happy with the win.”

The match was played in fierce sun on Rod Laver Arena and just afterwards organisers closed the roof, meaning the other three quarter-finals on the day will take place in far more comfortable temperatures.