Rising American Tennis Star Iva Jovic Shines with Back-to-Back Guadalajara Open Wins
Iva Jovic, a native of Torrance, California, has quickly risen to become the fourth highest ranked American woman on the WTA Tour, trailing only Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Amanda Anisimova. At just 18 years old, she holds the 13th spot in the live WTA rankings.
Though young, Jovic's skill and composure on court suggest a maturity beyond her years. Many see her as one of the few American women poised to capture her first Grand Slam title soon.
A Competitive Spirit Since Childhood
Before focusing on tennis, Jovic was highly competitive in other sports like soccer and swimming. Her passion for tennis grew stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she and her older sister Mia battled fiercely as each other’s first tennis partners.
Family Roots and Heritage
Jovic comes from a family with rich Balkan roots. Her father Bojan, originally from Serbia, and her mother Jelena, from Croatia, moved to the United States as adults. The sisters spent many childhood summers in Serbia with their paternal grandparents and speak Serbian fluently.
Notably, Novak Djokovic, the renowned Serbian tennis player, has become a supporter of Jovic, frequently sending her messages of encouragement and good wishes.
Parents Proud of Character and Achievements
Her parents have witnessed Jovic’s rapid growth firsthand. Bojan recalls entering her in an under-18 tournament at age 13, where she triumphed over older, more experienced players. Beyond her wins, they admire how she handles pressure and shows respect toward the sport, opponents, and fans alike.
Recent Success and Upcoming Matches
Jovic recently secured her second consecutive WTA 500 title at the Guadalajara Open. She is set to compete again starting September 30 at the WTA 1000 China Open.
- Rankings: 13th in live WTA rankings
- Age: 18 years old
- Recent titles: Two straight Guadalajara Open WTA 500 wins
- Next event: WTA 1000 China Open starting September 30
