17-year-old American tennis prospect Iva Jović let her followers in on a lighthearted moment from the Guadalajara Open while making a milestone in her young career. The rising star posted a clip from her semifinal match, capturing a young fan dancing on court during a break, as she celebrated reaching her first WTA Tour-level final.
Who Did Iva Jović Defeat on Her Way to the Guadalajara Open Final?
Jović’s breakout run has been unfolding in Mexico, where the teenager stormed through the WTA 500 tournament draw. She registered wins over Katarzyna Kawa, eighth seed Camila Osorio, Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva, and Nikola Bartunkova to secure her place in the championship match.
WHAT A WAY TO WIN IT! 🎾💥
Iva Jovic hits an ace on match point to overcome Bartunkova and reach the final in Guadalajara 👏#GDLOpenAKRONxSantander pic.twitter.com/SLUBO1qZPr
— wta (@WTA) September 14, 2025
Her opponent will be Colombian Emiliana Arango, another player enjoying a career-best stretch. What makes Jović’s surge particularly notable is the leap she has already made in the live rankings, climbing from career-best No. 73 to a projected No. 48, with the potential to crack the top 40 should she clinch the title.
Jović reshared the playful moment via Instagram Stories following her semifinal victory in Guadalajara, adding her one-word caption “Icon” alongside the dancing youngster.
Little bro bringing the vibes in Guadalajara 🕺😂#GDLOpenAKRONxSantander pic.twitter.com/nXTaRNmBPA
— wta (@WTA) September 14, 2025
The clip of the dancing fan highlights a lighter side of Jović’s journey, even as she continues to make serious strides in her career. Her steady rise has been fueled by junior success, including doubles triumphs at the 2024 Australian Open and Wimbledon alongside Tyra Caterina Grant and a runner-up finish at Roland Garros.
She carried that form into the pro ranks, winning her first ITF title in Charlottesville, followed by a WTA 125 crown in Ilkley in 2025. Jović has also gained valuable Grand Slam experience, reaching the second round at the US Open, Australian Open, and French Open, before bowing out in the opening round at Wimbledon this summer.
Jović Opens Up About Meeting Idol Novak Djokovic
Jović spoke about meeting her idol, Novak Djokovic, after her first-round win at the US Open, a moment that held special meaning given her Serbian background. She explained that the introduction happened at Wimbledon during indoor practice, thanks to her coach, Kathy Rinaldi.
Djokovic walked onto a nearby court with his son, and Rinaldi urged Jović to approach him immediately. Though surprised, Jović said she admires that bold quality in her coach. “He just wished me luck and told me to keep working,” she said. “It was kind of just a little bit of an introduction. I met Jelena there too, and his son was playing. It was just so cool.”
“There was nothing super specific said, but just the way he talks, he has a thing about himself where you can tell that he’s great. Not even seeing him on the tennis court, he has that presence, which is super cool,” she added.
Jović said Djokovic has always been her favorite, inspiring her since childhood with both his game and winning mindset.
