Meet Iva Jovic: America's Emerging Tennis Talent

Iva Jovic hails from Torrance, California, and stands as the fourth highest ranked American woman on the WTA Tour, trailing only behind Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Amanda Anisimova. At just 18 years old, she holds the 13th spot in the live WTA rankings.

Her skill and composure on court seem far beyond her years, placing her among a select group of American women believed to be capable of capturing their first Grand Slam soon.

Early Life and Sporting Background

Before committing to tennis, Jovic was highly competitive in several sports, including soccer and swimming. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that she focused fully on tennis. Her older sister, Mia, served as her first practice partner, engaging in intense matches that fueled her drive.

Family Roots and Support

Her parents, Bojan and Jelena, originally from Serbia and Croatia respectively, moved to the United States as adults. Summers spent with grandparents in Serbia helped Jovic maintain fluency in Serbian. This connection likely helped her gain the attention of Novak Djokovic, the renowned Serbian player, who has expressed his support through encouraging messages.

Parents’ Pride

Bojan remembers entering Iva into an under-18 tournament when she was only 13, where she triumphed over much older and more experienced opponents. While proud of her achievements, they admire most how she handles pressure, respects the sport, her rivals, and the fans alike.

Recent Success and Upcoming Matches

Jovic recently clinched her second consecutive WTA 500 title at the Guadalajara Open. Her next competition is scheduled for September 30 at the WTA 1000 China Open.