Rising tennis star Iva Jovic is capturing attention as she makes her way to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, earning accolades as a “shining light” and “ultimate professional” in the sport. At just 18 years old, her impressive journey has even drawn praise from 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who believes she possesses all the qualities necessary to become a future champion. His endorsement comes ahead of her crucial match against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Jovic’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She is the youngest American woman to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open since 1998, when Venus Williams accomplished the feat at the age of 17. Her rise in the world rankings is substantial; only a year ago, she was positioned at 191st. Since then, she has garnered notable victories, including winning her first WTA Tour-level title in Guadalajara and making significant strides in other tournaments.
“Every time she hits the ball, there’s an intensity and a sense of purpose behind it,” remarked former British number one Annabel Croft. Her performance this year has been exceptional, with Jovic already winning 11 matches—more than any other player on the WTA Tour. Former world number five Daniela Hantuchova echoed the sentiment, describing Jovic as an “ultimate professional” with an inspiring presence on the court.
Djokovic shares a personal connection to Jovic, owing to her Serbian heritage, and has been following her progress closely. He regards her as a “great girl” and is emotionally invested in her journey, which adds to the motivation she feels as she competes.
As Jovic prepares to face Sabalenka, who is a formidable opponent with a record of nine consecutive victories and multiple titles, experts like Croft suggest that Jovic may benefit from the unpredictability her youth affords her. With no pressure and high confidence, she could pose a serious challenge despite the experience and skill of her opponent.
Jovic’s performance thus far has been nothing short of remarkable, as she has yet to drop a set in the tournament and has already achieved a top-10 victory. This promising young talent is not only thrilling fans but also heralding a new chapter for women’s tennis as she navigates through this exciting stage of her career. The anticipation builds as she approaches her first Grand Slam quarter-final, sparking hope for her future in the sport.
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