Rising Star Iva Jovic Discusses Challenges of Facing WTA's Elite

The 20-year-old American breaks down what she needs to improve to compete with top players like Aryna Sabalenka.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:21pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a tennis match or competition, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors like royal blue, crimson red, and golden yellow, conceptually representing the challenges Iva Jovic faces in competing with the top players on the WTA tour.Jovic's quest to close the gap with the WTA's elite players is visualized through a cubist, geometric deconstruction of the sport.Charleston Today

Iva Jovic, the 20-year-old American tennis player, has been making waves on the WTA tour with her strong start to the 2026 season. After reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and continuing her good form in Charleston, Jovic opened up about the challenges she faces when going up against the top players in the world.

Why it matters

Jovic's rapid rise through the ranks has generated significant hype and interest in her potential. By candidly discussing the areas she needs to improve to compete with the elite players, Jovic provides valuable insight into the demands of competing at the highest level of women's tennis.

The details

Jovic noted that the big-hitting, rhythm-disrupting style of the top players has been a particular challenge for her so far, as she tends to be more of a player who works the point. She also emphasized the importance of serving well and capitalizing on her limited opportunities against these dominant players. Despite the gap, Jovic remains confident that with her youth and continued development, she will be able to close the gap at the top of the game.

  • Jovic reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open.
  • Jovic is set to face Anna Kalinskaya in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Charleston Open.

The players

Iva Jovic

A 20-year-old American tennis player who has been making a rapid rise through the WTA ranks, breaking into the top 20 after a strong start to the 2026 season.

Aryna Sabalenka

The current world number one women's tennis player, who defeated Jovic in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open.

Anna Kalinskaya

Jovic's quarterfinal opponent at the 2026 Charleston Open.

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What they’re saying

“I think a little bit of this, some tactical and mental adjustments. A lot of the girls who are ruling the sport right now are big hitters.”

— Iva Jovic, Tennis Player

“They don't give you a lot of rhythm and so far, I've struggled with that because I'm more the player who works the point. And I'm not that tall, so I'm still kind of finding my way against those types of players.”

— Iva Jovic, Tennis Player

“But thankfully, I'm young, I have a lot of time, and it's getting better. That's kind of a matchup that I personally need to get better with.”

— Iva Jovic, Tennis Player

What’s next

If Jovic goes all the way in the Charleston Open this week, it could push her into the top bracket of players for good.

The takeaway

Jovic's candid assessment of the challenges she faces against the WTA's elite players highlights the ongoing development required to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Her youth and determination suggest she is on the right path to closing the gap and becoming a consistent threat among the world's best.