Who is rising American tennis star Iva Jovic?

Iva Jovic is the Torrance, California native and fourth highest ranked American woman on the WTA Tour (behind Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Amanda Anisimova). She is ranked 13th in the live WTA rankings.

Jovic is only 18 years old, but her game and maturity far exceed her biological age. She is on a short list of American women that many believe could win a maiden Grand Slam in the near future.

It should come as no surprise that growing up Jovic was a very competitive person who competed in other sports like soccer and swimming before settling on tennis .

Jovic's older sister Mia was her first tennis partner

September 5, 2026; New York, United States; Iva Jovic of the U.S. in action during her third round match against Philippines' Alexandra Eala. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Tennis became her sport of choice during the COVID-19 epidemic. Her older sister Mia was her first partner, and the two got into heated battles.

Bojan, born in Serbia, and Jelena, a Croatian native, came to the United States as adults and started a family. The sisters spent their formative summers in Serbia with their paternal grandparents. They are fluid in Serbian.

It is no coincidence that the most famous tennis player of Serbian heritage, Novak Djokovic, has become a fan of Jovic's, sending her encouraging texts, wishing her success.

Her parents are proud of their daughter's accomplishments. Bojan recalls entering her into an 18 U tournament when she was 13 years old, and she won it, defeating players a lot older and more experienced than she was.

They are most proud of her character, how she carries herself under pressure, and her respect of the game, her opponents, and the fans.

Jovic last played in Guadalajara where she earned her second straight WTA 500 title. She will be back in action on September 30 at the WTA 1000 China Open.