In what will undoubtedly be the biggest match of her career so far, Iva Jović is set to take on Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open. The 18-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable campaign at Melbourne Park and will hope to spring an upset against the World No. 1, who has looked unassailable so far.
Jović’s run to the Australian Open quarterfinals has included wins over Jasmine Paolini and Yulia Putintseva. Ahead of the crunch last eight match, we take a closer look at the Californian’s career so far.
Iva Jović Started Playing Tennis at the Age of 5
In an interview with Solinco Sports in 2024, Jović revealed that she started playing tennis at the age of five. She won junior doubles titles with Tyra Caterina Grant at the 2024 Australian Open and Wimbledon Championships.
Jović’s Parents Moved to the United States
Jović was born in California to parents Bojan and Jelena. Her father is Serbian, while her mother was born in Croatia. They moved to the United States before Iva was born. She revealed in an interview with the Cincinnati Open last year that her parents work as pharmacists. Jović has often called her parents her biggest supporters.
Jović’s Tennis Role Models
Jović considers Novak Djokovic and Monica Seles to be her role models in tennis. She recently met the Serb at the Australian Open and spoke about it during a press conference there. The American also enjoys watching Jannik Sinner.
“He’s (Djokovic) even kinder and more attentive outside the cameras than what he’s portrayed. It was amazing. He’s so intelligent and smart and really wants to help the younger generation, so I’m really grateful to have that advice. Hopefully, I’ll speak with him more and listen to his advice.”
MORE: Jannik Sinner Finds a Fan in Iva Jović – ‘I’ll Take Anything That He Does!’
Jović Has Been Hailed as a Future No. 1 by Djokovic
While Jović considers Djokovic to be her role model, the Serb has also backed the 18-year-old to become a World No. 1 in the future. He said during a press conference at the Australian Open, “She’s so young and she’s already making great strides in the rankings and making some great results… She definitely has all the tools to be a future champion and a future number one, and that’s exactly what I wish for her.”
Jović Has Already Won a WTA 500 Title
Jović claimed her maiden WTA title last year, winning the Guadalajara Open by defeating Colombia’s Emiliana Arango 6-4, 6-1 in the final. She reached another final earlier this year at the Hobart International, but was beaten in straight sets by Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy.
Jović Made Her US Open Debut at 16
Jović made her Grand Slam debut at the age of 16 after receiving a wild card at the US Open. She showed glimpses of her talent at Flushing Meadows, defeating Magda Linette in straight sets before losing in the second round. She also made the second round of the US Open last year.
Jović is Coached by Thomas Gutteridge
Jović is coached by Thomas Gutteridge, a USTA Player Development coach who has worked with numerous talented young players over the years. He has played a key role in Jović’s seamless transition to the senior tour.
Jović Loves Surfing
When not on the court, Jović really enjoys beach sports like surfing and boogie boarding. She said via the Cincinnati Open, “As a Cali girl, I think it’s all related to the beach. I love boogie boarding. I love surfing. We paddleboard a ton. I love going to amusement parks. I love Six Flags. We go to Knott’s Berry Farm. Just the Cali-girl stuff. I live super close to the beach, so when I’m home, I go to the beach almost every day.”
