Meet Iva Jovic: The American Tennis Star on the Rise
Who is Iva Jovic?
Iva Jovic, from Torrance, California, 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 holds the 13th spot in the live WTA rankings. Despite her youth, her skill and composure on court feel much more experienced, putting her among a select group of American women who could soon capture their first Grand Slam title.
Early Years and Sports Background
Jovic was always fiercely competitive, dabbling in soccer and swimming before fully committing to tennis. Her passion for the sport grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she practiced intensely with her older sister Mia, who was her first tennis partner. Their matches were often intense, sparking the drive that fuels her game today.
Family and Heritage
Her parents, Bojan and Jelena, immigrated to the United States from Serbia and Croatia, respectively. Summers spent in Serbia with their paternal grandparents gave the sisters a strong connection to their roots, and they speak Serbian fluently. This heritage links her to Novak Djokovic, the legendary Serbian player who has become one of her supporters, sending her motivational messages and good wishes.
Parental Pride and Early Success
Bojan remembers entering Iva into an 18-and-under tournament when she was just 13, where she triumphed over much older and more experienced players. Her parents value not only her victories but also her demeanor—how she stays calm under pressure and shows respect for the sport, her opponents, and the fans.
Recent Achievements and Upcoming Events
Jovic recently secured her second consecutive WTA 500 title at the Guadalajara Open. Her next appearance is scheduled for September 30 at the WTA 1000 China Open, where many will watch eagerly to see how she continues to develop.
- Ranking: 13th in live WTA rankings
- Age: 18
- Recent Title: 2026 Guadalajara Open WTA 500 (second straight win)
- Next Tournament: WTA 1000 China Open starting September 30
- Family: Parents Bojan (Serbian) and Jelena (Croatian), sister Mia (first tennis partner)
- Languages: English and Serbian
