Iva Jovic Talks Her U.S. Open Moment and Thinking Beyond the Scoreboard
At just 18, the tennis phenom is learning to navigate the pressures of her rapid rise with a sense of calm—and style.
“For me, the U.S. Open is a little different,” Iva Jovic tells W over the phone on an August afternoon in New York City, where she’d arrived just days before the tournament and stepped onto the grounds for the first time that morning. Jovic will soon face Alex Eala at the 2026 U.S. Open “Stars of the Open” exhibition, which features the most promising young players of the sport in an event benefiting the United States Tennis Association Foundation. Jovic, 18, has already played Eala, 21, twice this year (Jovic won both times). Off-court, the two are good friends. But that doesn’t mean Jovic isn’t taking the match seriously.
"[The Open] was my first big event as a junior, my first big event as a pro,” says Jovic. “So it’s a little sentimental. And being an American, and now ranked higher, I feel the buzz even more.”
Born to a Serbian father and a Croatian mother and raised in Torrance, California, Jovic began playing tennis at the age of five, quickly ascending the ranks and becoming the youngest player to win a women’s main-draw match at the U.S. Open in more than 20 years in 2024, when she was just 16. Her social media presence and process-focused interviews have also made her a fan favorite. Jovic is one of the fastest-rising stars of the sport—itself increasingly popular among young people globally—winning her first WTA 500 title last year at the Guadalajara Open Akron and reaching the quarterfinals and the Round of 16 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, respectively, this year alone.
Her antidote to all the pressure is a walk through Central Park. “Once you’re in the park, you don’t really feel like you’re in New York City,” she explains. Jovic is also in the city for an intimate event with the jewelry brand Gorjana, which she hosted at Carbone NYC on Monday night, alongside fellow tennis phenom Jessica Pegula. Both athletes are partners of Gorjana’s Sports Club, the brand’s effort to spotlight women shaping the future of tennis. Jovic spoke with W about staying grounded, the older players she leans on, and the gold she’ll be pairing with a pink kit:
How do you manage the pressure of playing at a place like the U.S. Open?
Spending time with my family and close friends always helps. My mom’s here, and I have a friend from home here this week. That’s very grounding—it brings you back to earth, because it’s easy to get wrapped up in the craziness of the tennis and the results. Reading helps a lot, too. Routines and habits like that keep you fresh and composed.
What are you reading right now?
I have a couple of different books going, but the one I’m on now, my cousin gave me. It’s called The Courage To Be Disliked—a Japanese philosophy book. I just graduated, so I haven’t done any school in a couple of weeks. It’s keeping my mind [working].
You’re part of a new generation coming up in women’s tennis. What does that feel like?
Right now, in the women’s game and the men’s, there are a lot of young, exciting players. That brings viewers and energy to the sport. I’m only 18, so I probably won’t comprehend what’s happening in my life right now until much later. But I definitely appreciate where I am. All these other girls and I are next in line to hopefully make a positive impact and leave the sport better than when we came into it—not just from a results standpoint.
Naomi Osaka and Jovic shaking hands at the end of the third round of their women’s singles match at the French Open.
Who has given you the best advice or support through this process?
My family is one of the biggest. My coach, Tom Gutteridge, has my best interests at heart. And some of the older, more experienced players, especially the Americans like Maddie [Keys] and Jess [Pegula]—I’ve leaned on them for support in tournaments and settings I’m not used to. [I met Billie Jean King’s team yesterday, and] Billie is a big inspiration, especially when it comes to growing the sport and fighting for equality.
Is there anyone you’re looking forward to seeing at the Open?
Serena [Williams]. She’s played a couple of tournaments already, but seeing Serena in New York is something special. I haven’t had the chance to talk with her much since she’s been back, so that's going to be a special one for me.
You often wear jewelry on court. How do you choose your pieces?
I mix it up depending on the season and the tournament. At Wimbledon, I’ll do something strawberry-related. At the AO, I’ll do bright, fun colors, because the colors are popping around the grounds there. Sometimes you match your nails to your outfit, too.
And what’s your style like off-court?
Sporty-chic, but I play around with it. I’ll go outside the box.
What are you wearing for the Open?
My outfit is [mostly] pink, so I’ll stay more refined with the jewelry. Probably some gold necklaces.
Jovic playing against Ekaterina Alexandrova at Wimbledon in July.
You’re known for being meticulous about going over your performance after a match. What’s your post-game ritual like?
Usually after a match, I go back and practice a little. It’s a good routine, because then a match doesn't feel like a match—it feels like another training day. Win or lose, I talk with my coach and analyze what went well and what didn't. I think you should always do a little reflection. Then, recovery-wise, rest as much as you can. It's easy to get up in the clouds after a win, but I try to bounce out of that quickly, because there's a match the next day or the day after. Melatonin helps, if it’s a late match.
What do you like to do when you’re not playing or training?
I love going out with my friends, going to dinner, going to a movie, and talking about it after. I like to be outside. I’m from L.A., so the beach is where I feel best.
