Iva Jović (17), an American tennis player of Serbian origin, won her first career WTA title.
This extremely talented teenager lifted the trophy at the WTA 500 series tournament in Guadalajara, after defeating Emilia Arango from Colombia in the final with a score of 6:4, 6:1.
The likeable tennis player, who will turn 18 in December, has become the youngest champion in the history of this prestigious tournament.
That’s not all, by winning the title, Iva made a big leap on the WTA list. As of today, she is the 36th tennis player in the world, which is her best career ranking. After the great Mirra Andreeva, the girl of Serbian origin is the second youngest tennis player in the Top 50.
Iva loves Serbia
Iva’s parents are Jelena and Bojan, and she also has an older sister, Mia, who also plays tennis. Her mother was born in Split, and her father Bojan in Leskovac.
Iva comes to Serbia every summer from a young age and visits relatives in Belgrade and Leskovac.
She started training at the age of five and immediately showed that she has huge potential. Of course, she sees Novak Đoković as a role model.
After her debut at the US Open in 2024, this likeable teenager talked about her origin and the love she has for our country.
-I come to Serbia every year, ever since I was 2, 3 years old, I go to see my grandparents, my close family. I love to go there. It is very nice, Belgrade, is especially nice. I definitely have a good connection with Serbia. I have friends there. We love to go to Zemun, to Ada. It’s fun, it’s great – Iva began her story, and then added:
-My dad is from Leskovac. My mom is from Split, but she later moved to Belgrade. I go to Leskovac. Last summer I went, this summer I was in Belgrade and a little bit in Leskovac. I had a little training in Leskovac, but of course, there are a little more in Belgrade. I trained with Petar Đukić in Belgrade, and in Leskovac at the Tennis Club Šumice. I don’t think you know.
She speaks Serbian excellently and sometimes uses it on the court…
-Sometimes, when I’m really angry, I don’t want the judges to understand. That’s about it, but yes, sometimes. Now it’s strange when I see that many people understand, so I have to be careful what I say.
The Americans have huge hopes for the young tennis player from Los Angeles. She is great on all surfaces, she has won trophies on grass, clay and hard court, and many believe that she has the potential to reach the very top of world tennis.
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Source: Kurir; Photo: Printscreen X