16-Year-Old American Iva Jovic Wins First Match at US Open

NEW YORK — In a stunning upset, 16-year-old Iva Jovic from California defeated Polish tennis player Magda Linette, a semifinalist in the 2023 Australian Open, with a score of 6-4, 6-3 on Monday.

After the match, Jovic expressed her feelings about the victory: “Surprised, but not surprised.” She was aware of Linette’s impressive career and her presence in the top 20 rankings.

Jovic credited her preparation for the match, saying, “I just had a plan about what I was going to do before we started, and there weren’t that many needs for crazy adjustments, because it was going well. So just kind of sticking to that.” Her strategy proved effective against a seasoned opponent.

Remarkably, Jovic is still eligible for the junior event later in the tournament, showcasing her youth. Additionally, she is balancing her tennis career with online schooling, which she describes as “convenient and … very lenient.”

Initially introduced to sports through soccer, gymnastics, and swimming, Jovic ultimately chose tennis as her passion. She honed her skills playing on the courts above her apartment complex in Torrance, California, alongside her older sister.

“I want to be the best that I can be,” Jovic stated, reflecting on her aspirations. “Just get better every day, honestly. Just keep working. I’m on a good path, but there’s a lot more to do.”

Her journey to the main draw of the year’s final Grand Slam was earned by winning the U.S. Tennis Association Girls’ 18s national championship. In a remarkable display of talent, Jovic also claimed the doubles title with Tyra Grant, which granted them a wild-card entry into the women’s doubles at Flushing Meadows. Furthermore, the USTA provided Jovic and fellow teen Kaylan Bigun with a spot in the mixed doubles event.

In earlier events, Jovic and Grant celebrated success in junior doubles, clinching titles at the Australian Open in January and Wimbledon in July, while also finishing as runners-up at the French Open in June.

Jovic’s admiration for tennis legends shines through, particularly for 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, whose Serbian heritage resonates with her. After the English portion of her press conference, Jovic engaged with reporters in Serbian, highlighting her connection to her roots. She also admires Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic.

Asked about her respect for Djokovic, Jovic said, “I mean, do I need to say? We all know how great he is.” On Bencic, she noted, “She just takes the ball so early and her footwork is very cutting the angle, so she just makes her opponents feel kind of suffocated. That’s what I would like to try to do.”

Jovic expressed her desire to converse with Djokovic, recalling their only previous interaction when she requested a photo with him. “I do have a selfie,” she shared with a smile. “It doesn’t look great, but it’s there.” This small moment remains special for the young athlete amidst her rising career.

As Jovic continues to make her mark in the world of tennis, her journey reflects the potential of young athletes rising through the ranks. With a clear focus and dedication, she aims to build on her success and evolve into a formidable player in the sport.

Source: Associated Press