Meet Iva Jovic: America’s Emerging Tennis Talent

Who Is Iva Jovic?

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

Despite her young age, her skill and poise on the court appear far beyond her years. Many consider her among the few American women with a genuine shot at capturing a first Grand Slam title soon.

A Competitive Spirit From Early On

Jovic’s competitive nature was evident early, having tried multiple sports such as soccer and swimming before choosing tennis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, tennis became her focus, often sparring with her older sister Mia, who was her first practice partner. Their matches were intense and pushed her to improve.

Family Roots and Influences

Her parents, Bojan and Jelena, originally from Serbia and Croatia respectively, moved to the United States as adults. The sisters spent many summers in Serbia with their paternal grandparents, which helped them stay fluent in Serbian.

The connection to Serbian tennis runs deep, as Novak Djokovic has become a supporter of Jovic, sending encouraging messages and wishing her well.

What Makes Her Family Proud

Bojan recalls entering Iva in an under-18 tournament when she was only 13, where she surprised many by winning against older, more experienced players. Beyond her achievements, her family values how she handles pressure, respects the sport, her opponents, and the fans.

Recent Achievements and Upcoming Events

Iva Jovic recently secured her second consecutive Guadalajara Open WTA 500 title. She is set to compete next at the WTA 1000 China Open starting September 30.

• Rank: 13th in live WTA rankings
• Age: 18 years old
• Nationality: American
• Current Title: Guadalajara Open WTA 500 (2nd straight year)
• Next Tournament: WTA 1000 China Open, September 30