The 18-year-old American reaches fourth round and secures new sponsorship ahead of match against Coco Gauff
Category: Sports
Iva Jovic is making a name for herself at the 2026 US Open, proving to be America’s next big tennis star. After a thrilling 7-5, 3-7, 7-5 victory over close friend Alexandra Eala, she is set to face fellow American Coco Gauff in the fourth round on September 7. This marks Jovic's first appearance in the Round of 16 at Flushing Meadows, a milestone that she embraces with enthusiasm.
Jovic expressed her excitement about advancing, saying, "I’m going to be more than happy to just bring this fight and this energy, and then whatever happens, I can leave with my head high.” This sentiment reflects her competitive spirit and determination, especially as she prepares to take on Gauff, who defeated her in three sets at the Italian Open earlier this year.
At just 18 years old, Jovic has already reached a career-high World No. 14 ranking, solidifying her status as a serious Grand Slam contender. Her breakthrough season includes remarkable performances, such as reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, becoming the youngest American woman to do so since Venus Williams in 1998. She also made it to the third round at the French Open and the fourth round at Wimbledon, demonstrating her rapid development in the sport.
The victory over Eala at the US Open was particularly emotional for Jovic. After a hard-fought match, she fell to the ground in tears, overwhelmed by the significance of her win. "I’m usually not one to show that many emotions, but this one really meant a lot to me to have another match here at the US Open," she shared with the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Jovic acknowledged the support of the crowd, saying, "I love you guys. You gave me so much energy to just keep pushing and leave absolutely everything on the court for the win."
In addition to her on-court success, Jovic has secured a new sponsorship deal with Gorjana Jewelry. The company announced her addition to their sports club on Instagram, stating, "We’ve been fans for a long time. Now we get to make it official. Meet the newest addition to Gorjana Sports Club—Iva Jovic." Jovic expressed her excitement about joining the brand, emphasizing the importance of being surrounded by inspiring individuals. "Becoming part of the Gorjana family, to me, is about so much more than just jewelry and the brand. It’s about being surrounded by people who inspire me and who I genuinely want to work with and be around," she said.
Jovic's rise in tennis has been shaped significantly by her family background. Her parents, Bojan and Jelena Jovic, originally from Serbia and Croatia, made substantial sacrifices to support her tennis career. After winning the U.S. Green Card Lottery, they moved to America, where they initially struggled to have their pharmacy degrees recognized. Both worked as supermarket cashiers to support their family and eventually became licensed pharmacists. Their dedication allowed Iva to pursue her passion for tennis without financial constraints.
Her father worked long hours to cover the costs associated with tournaments, travel, and coaching. Jovic has often acknowledged their sacrifices, stating that she wouldn’t be where she is today without their support. She also shares a competitive bond with her older sister, Mia, who plays collegiate tennis for UCLA. Their summer visits to family in Serbia and friendly competitions against each other helped sharpen Jovic's competitive instincts.
Jovic's development as a player has been closely linked to the USTA Player Development system. Thomas Gutteridge, her primary touring coach since she was 14, has played a key role in her growth. Another influential figure in her early career was Southern California coach Peter Smith, who recognized her determination to turn professional. With their guidance, Jovic has successfully transitioned from an elite junior player to a competitor capable of deep runs at major tournaments.
Looking ahead, Jovic's match against Gauff will likely be a highlight of the tournament. Scheduled for September 7 at 7:00 p.m. EDT, this fourth-round showdown will be a test of her skills against one of the biggest names in American women's tennis. It presents Jovic with an opportunity to showcase that her meteoric rise is not just a matter of potential but a reflection of her hard work and determination.
As she prepares for this high-stakes match, Jovic's focus will be on maintaining her competitive edge and continuing to build on her recent successes. With her impressive track record this season and the support of her family and fans, she is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the tournament and the sport.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming match, Jovic’s story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, illustrating the power of perseverance and dedication. Whether she emerges victorious or not, her performance at the US Open has already marked her as a formidable presence in the world of tennis.