The tennis world is taking notice of 18-year-old American Iva Jovic, who has officially broken into the WTA Top 20 following an impressive run at the Australian Open. Her performance in Melbourne signals her arrival among the sport’s elite and highlights her status as one of the most promising young talents on the tour.
Jovic reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal with a fearless display of tennis, including a thrilling victory over Jasmine Paolini, marking her first win against a Top 10 opponent. While her journey ended against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a 6-3, 6-0 defeat, the first set alone was a 59-minute battle, featuring an 11-minute final game where Jovic’s determination was on full display.
Her rise over the past year has been remarkable. A year ago, she was ranked No. 172. In June 2025, she cracked the Top 100 after winning her first WTA 125K title on grass in Ilkley, England. Her first WTA Tour title came at the WTA 500 event in Guadalajara, Mexico, which propelled her into the Top 50. Consistent performances in Auckland and Hobart leading into the Australian Open laid the foundation for her Melbourne breakthrough.
Jovic’s achievements also have historical significance. She is the youngest woman to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007 and the youngest American to reach the last eight since Venus Williams in 1998.
Reflecting on her tournament, Jovic said she is “happy overall” with her performance. The Australian Open represents only the beginning of her Grand Slam journey, and entering the WTA Top 20 is just the next step in a career already marked by rapid progress and growing expectations.
