At just 18 years old, Iva Jovic has firmly entrenched herself within the top 20 of the women’s tennis rankings, currently holding the No. 20 position. The American made headlines by capturing her first 500-level title at the close of the 2025 season and has maintained her strong performance into the new year. With key milestones including reaching the finals in Hobart and the semifinals in Auckland, her impressive 11-3 record has positioned her ninth in the Race and second among American players, trailing only Jessica Pegula.
Jovic’s momentum continued in Melbourne, where she advanced to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal after notable victories over Jasmine Paolini and Yulia Putintseva, ultimately succumbing to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. This remarkable run not only elevated her ranking to a career-high but also solidified her reputation as one of the most promising talents on the tour.
Ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Jovic shared her thoughts on the transition from sporadic tournament entries to now securing direct access into major events. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed the significance of her newfound stability in participating in the full calendar of events, highlighting the continued growth and dedication behind her progress.
“I mean, it’s so special. Obviously, it’s one thing to kind of play your first WTA events and get the feel for it, but it’s different to be in the tournaments every week,” Jovic remarked. “It’s incredible to have achieved all of this and to just be here.”
After a grueling schedule in Australia, Jovic opted to withdraw from tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Doha to recharge before returning in Dubai. “I think I just needed a little bit more time. I played the most matches out of anyone during the Australian swing, and I’m really happy with how it went. I won a lot, but I also needed to rest,” she explained, underscoring the importance of managing her workload.
Her experience in Melbourne, though met with a definitive outcome, provided her valuable insights. She emphasized that even though she faced setbacks against top-tier players, the experience contributed to her understanding of competitive edges in the sport. “The differences aren’t that big. It’s often the fine margins that determine success,” she stated, showcasing her analytical approach to loss.
A memorable moment during her Melbourne visit was her encounter with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who provided her with personalized advice. Describing him as her ultimate idol, she shared her admiration and aspirations to emulate his success in the sport. Jovic acknowledges Djokovic’s significant impact on her game and continues to look up to him as she navigates her career.
As she gears up for her opening round against Kamilla Rakhimova in Dubai, Jovic remains committed to her development, focusing on consistency and learning from each match. Her journey exemplifies the rising talent within women’s tennis, resonating hope and excitement for fans and aspiring players alike.