Australian wildcard Taylah Preston’s impressive run at the Hobart International came to an end as she was defeated in the semi-finals by rising American star Iva Jovic. The 20-year-old Preston, currently ranked World No. 204, showcased her talent by defeating three higher-ranked players, including top seed and Grand Slam champion Emma Raducanu, on her way to the semi-finals.
In the match against Jovic, the third seed who is ranked No. 30 in the world, Preston initially started strong but ultimately succumbed with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Jovic praised Preston’s performance, stating, “She’s an unbelievable ball striker.” Jovic noted that it was one of the best displays she had seen from Preston, highlighting her ability to hit winners and move efficiently on the court.
Preston’s journey to the semi-finals included victories over fifth seed Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, World No. 72 Rebecca Sramkova, and the notable upset against Raducanu in the quarter-finals. This tournament marked a significant milestone for Preston, as she had never reached a top-level quarter-final before.
Looking ahead, Preston will focus on the upcoming Australian Open, where she is set to make her second appearance in the main draw as a wildcard entry.
Jovic now advances to the finals of the Hobart International, where she will face Italian qualifier Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who triumphed over Antonia Ruzic with a score of 6-3, 6-2. Jovic aims to become the fourth consecutive American to win the title in Hobart, following victories by Lauren Davis in 2023, Emma Navarro in 2024, and McCartney Kessler in 2025. With both players showcasing impressive performances throughout the tournament, fans can look forward to an exciting final showdown.