Kenya Sport

Meet Iva Jovic: America's Emerging Tennis Talent

Iva Jovic hails from Torrance, California, and is currently 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.

Despite her young age, Jovic's skill and composure on court suggest a maturity beyond her years. Many see her as one of the promising American players likely to capture her first Grand Slam title soon.

A Competitive Spirit from the Start

Before choosing tennis, Jovic explored other sports like soccer and swimming, showing a natural competitive streak early on. Tennis became her main focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, with her older sister Mia serving as her initial practice partner. Their matches were intense and pushed her development.

Family Roots and Influences

Her parents, Bojan and Jelena, immigrated to the U.S. from Serbia and Croatia, respectively. Summers spent with grandparents in Serbia helped Jovic maintain fluency in Serbian. This connection has brought support from Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who has sent her encouraging messages wishing her success.

Early Achievements and Character

Jovic’s parents remember entering her into an under-18 tournament at just 13, where she defeated older and more experienced players. They admire her not just for her victories but for her sportsmanship, composure under pressure, and respect toward opponents and fans alike.

Recent Success and Upcoming Matches

Most recently, Jovic secured her second consecutive WTA 500 title at the Guadalajara Open. Fans will see her next at the WTA 1000 China Open starting September 30.

  • Age: 18
  • Nationality: American
  • WTA Ranking: 13th (live)
  • Recent Titles: Two consecutive Guadalajara Open WTA 500 championships
  • Upcoming Event: WTA 1000 China Open, Sept 30