Meet Iva Jovic: America’s Emerging Tennis Star

Who is Iva Jovic?

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

Her skills and composure on the court show a maturity beyond her years. Many see her as a strong candidate among American women to claim her first Grand Slam title in the near future.

A Competitive Start

Before fully committing to tennis, Jovic was involved in other sports like soccer and swimming, showcasing her competitive spirit early on. Tennis became her primary focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, with her older sister Mia serving as her first hitting partner. Their practice sessions were intense, sparking a fierce sibling rivalry.

Family Roots and Influences

Jovic's parents, Bojan and Jelena, immigrated to the U.S. as adults—Bojan from Serbia and Jelena from Croatia. Summers spent in Serbia with their paternal grandparents helped Jovic and her sister grow up fluent in Serbian.

The connection to Serbia brings added interest since Novak Djokovic, one of the sport’s greats, has taken notice of Iva Jovic. He has sent her supportive messages wishing her success.

Parental Pride and Early Achievements

Bojan fondly remembers signing Iva up for an under-18 tournament when she was only 13. She won that event, beating players who were older and more seasoned. Her family values not just her victories but the way she carries herself—with respect for the game, her opponents, and the fans alike.

Recent Success and Upcoming Matches

Jovic recently secured her second consecutive WTA 500 title at the Guadalajara Open, cementing her rising status. She is set to compete next on September 30 at the WTA 1000 China Open.