Iva Jovic has developed several close friendships on the WTA Tour, particularly with fellow rising stars Alexandra Eala, Eva Lys, and Zeynep Sönmez. The 18-year-old also enjoys her dynamic with Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, explaining what sets them apart from other experienced players.
What Iva Jovic Said About Her Dynamic with Coco Gauff and Jessica PegulaJovic was just 16 years old and ranked outside the top 200 when she made her US Open debut in 2024. She now enters this year’s edition of the New York Major as the world No. 14, having displayed a stellar rise through the ranks over the past two seasons.
Speaking to Andy Roddick on the “Served” podcast ahead of her singles campaign, Jovic opened up about the “tricky” dynamics she has encountered with experienced players on tour. She revealed that some veterans were reluctant to lend a helping hand to a young player who could potentially outshine them.
“It’s tricky. And there are certain players in that position who kind of look at you, and they’re like, ‘What are they doing here? I don’t want to help someone who’s then going to maybe be beating me and getting me off the court,'” Jovic said.
In contrast, the 18-year-old praised Pegula and Ajla Tomljanovic for offering her advice while still competing fiercely against her on the court. She expressed her appreciation for the supportive relationships she has with certain players.
“And then there are other players who recognize that and compete hard, but they’ll also throw in some advice, throw in some friendly banter. Jess is a great example of one of those,” she said. “I have a great relationship with Ajla Tomljanovic as well. So there’s a good couple of those players.”
Jovic also singled out Gauff as one of the friendliest players on tour, sharing how valuable the two-time Grand Slam champion’s insight has been to her, both on and off the court.
“I feel weird calling Coco a vet because she’s only 22 years old, but she is a vet. And she’s one of the friendliest ones on tour as well. Always willing to give advice on and off the court about the lifestyle, too, which is one of the biggest things you have to adjust to. So, there’s a few ones that I lean on,” she added.
No. 14 seed Iva Jovic will take on Magdalena Fręch in the first round of the US Open. Her potential fourth-round opponent, No. 4 seed Coco Gauff, is set to face Zeynep Sönmez. Meanwhile, in the other half of the draw, No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula will square off against Elena-Gabriela Ruse in her opening match.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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