Iva Jovic has become the youngest player to win a title on the WTA Tour this season after triumphing at the Guadalajara Open, where she was unseeded in the draw.
The 17-year-old American defeated Colombia’s Emiliana Arango 6-4, 6-1, who was suffering from illness throughout the final. Jovic converted six out of her 11 break point opportunities and won 67% of her first-service points en route to the title. She has become the youngest player from her country to win a Tour title since Coco Gauff in 2021.
“I would like to congratulate Emiliana. You’re such a great player and a great person. I know you weren’t feeling your best, but this happens. You showed so much fight and gave the people a show, which is much respect,” Jovic said during the trophy ceremony.
“It’s not easy to start out on Tour when you’re young and don’t have many friends, but people like Emiliana make it easier and always have a smile on their face.”
Jovic, who is a two-time junior Grand Slam champion in doubles, only played one seeded player during her run to the title in Guadalajara. That was in the second round against Camila Osorio. She also scored wins over Andora’s Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva and the Czech Republic’s Nikola Bartunkova.
The rising star was born in California. Her parents, Bojan and Jelena, immigrated to America from Serbia and Croatia.
“My family, my sister, my mom, my grandpa, my dad, everyone watching from home. I know you guys are there supporting me. Thank you so much,” said Jovic.
“The USTA, thank you for the support. None of this would have been possible without any of them. So we share this trophy.”
Kovia is currently ranked 36th in the world and is the youngest player in the top 100. Earlier this year, she won her first WTA 125 title on grass at the Ilkley Open before reaching the third round in Cincinnati as a qualifier. In the Grand Slams, she has played in the main draw in all four this season and reached the second round in three of them.
