Iva Jovic hails from Torrance, California, and stands as the fourth highest-ranked American woman on the WTA Tour, trailing behind Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Amanda Anisimova. At just 18 years old, she holds the 13th spot in the live WTA rankings.
Her skill set and composure on court go beyond her years. Many see her among a select group of American women with a real shot at claiming their first Grand Slam soon.
A Competitive Spirit from the Start
Before focusing exclusively on tennis, Jovic tried her hand at soccer and swimming. Tennis ultimately became her passion during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she practiced and played matches with her older sister, Mia. Those early encounters were intense and competitive.
Family Background 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 her paternal grandparents helped her maintain fluency in Serbian. The connection runs deep; Novak Djokovic, the famed Serbian tennis star, has shown support for her through encouraging messages.
Parental Pride and Early Achievements
Bojan recalls entering Iva in an 18-and-under tournament when she was only 13. She won, overcoming older and more seasoned players. Her parents value not just her victories but her demeanor—her respect for the game, her opponents, and the fans shines through, especially under pressure.
Recent Success and Upcoming Events
Jovic recently clinched her second consecutive WTA 500 title at the Guadalajara Open. Fans can expect to see her back on court starting September 30 at the WTA 1000 China Open.
- Ranking: 13th in WTA live rankings
- Age: 18 years old
- Recent Titles: Two consecutive Guadalajara Open WTA 500 wins
- Next Event: WTA 1000 China Open starting September 30
