Meet Iva Jovic: America’s Rising Tennis Star
Iva Jovic hails from Torrance, California, and stands as 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 currently holds the 13th spot in the live WTA rankings. Despite her youth, her game reveals a maturity well beyond her years, placing her among the few American women expected to win a Grand Slam soon.
A Competitive Spirit From Early On
Before dedicating herself fully to tennis, Jovic tested her competitiveness in soccer and swimming. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that tennis truly took center stage for her. Her first practice partner was her older sister, Mia, and their intense matches helped sharpen her skills.
Roots and Family Influence
Iva Jovic's parents, Bojan and Jelena, originally from Serbia and Croatia respectively, moved to the United States as adults. Summers spent in Serbia with their paternal grandparents helped keep the sisters fluent in Serbian. It’s no surprise then that Novak Djokovic, the famed Serbian player, has taken notice of Jovic and sent her encouraging messages wishing her success.
Early Triumphs and Character
Bojan remembers entering Iva into an 18-and-under tournament when she was just 13. She won, beating players much older and more experienced. More than her victories, her parents value her composure under pressure and the respect she shows toward the sport, competitors, and fans alike.
Recent Success and Upcoming Events
Iva Jovic recently secured her second consecutive WTA 500 title at the Guadalajara Open. She’s set to compete next at the WTA 1000 China Open starting September 30.
