NEW YORK — At just 16 years old, Iva Jovic from California has made headlines by defeating Magda Linette of Poland, a 2023 Australian Open semifinalist, with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory in the opening round of the US Open on Monday.
“I was surprised, but not entirely,” Jovic remarked about her win against Linette, who has been ranked in the top 20. “I had a clear plan before we started, and things went according to that plan. I didn’t need to make many adjustments because everything was working well.”
Jovic’s achievement echoes the accomplishments of other young players who have made their mark at the US Open. Katrina Scott of the U.S. was also 16 when she won a match at the tournament four years ago, and last year, Russia’s Mirra Andreeva accomplished the same feat at the same age.
Despite her recent success on the big stage, Jovic remains grounded and focused on her ongoing commitments. She is still in school, taking online courses through a flexible program. Additionally, she plans to participate in the junior event later in the tournament, highlighting her dual engagement in both junior and professional tennis.
Jovic’s journey to the US Open main draw began with her victory at the U.S. Tennis Association Girls’ 18s national championship, which earned her a wild-card entry. She and Tyra Grant also won the doubles title at the same event, securing a wild card for the women’s doubles competition at Flushing Meadows. Furthermore, Jovic and Grant teamed up to win junior doubles titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon and were runners-up at the French Open.
Growing up in Torrance, California, Jovic was involved in various sports such as soccer, gymnastics, and swimming before she gravitated toward tennis. She and her older sister learned the sport on courts built atop their apartment complex, which laid the foundation for her burgeoning tennis career.
Jovic draws inspiration from tennis great Novak Djokovic, whose Serbian roots resonate with her own, and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic. “Djokovic’s greatness speaks for itself,” Jovic said. “Belinda’s early ball striking and sharp footwork are qualities I admire and strive to emulate in my own game.”
Although Jovic’s only interaction with Djokovic has been a brief photo opportunity, she cherishes the memory. “I do have a selfie with him,” she said with a smile. “It might not be the best photo, but it’s a memorable one.”
As Jovic continues her campaign at the US Open, her performance so far underscores her potential and sets high expectations for the young prodigy’s future in the sport.
