Djokovic ‘was in trouble’ and overcame ‘ugly’ fall and blisters in victory
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Novak Djokovic believes rising star Iva Jovic has the potential to go all the way in the women’s game and has backed her as a “future world No. 1” in the making.
Jovic, who was born in California to Serbian parents, made her pro debut in June 2022 when she was just 14. Nearly four years on, the world No. 27 is mixing it with the best players in the world.
Now 18, she won her first WTA 500 event at the Guadalajara Open in September of last year and has impressed in Melbourne by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open.
After beating Katie Volynets in her opening encounter and then following that up with a thumping win over home hope Priscilla Hon, Jovic dispatched seventh seed Jasmine Paolini in straight sets to underline her prodigious talent.
Jovic later said “attentive tips” from Djokovic had helped her to the win. Asked what it was he told the youngster after his eventful third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic said: “I got to know Iva last year for the first time. She’s so young, she’s only 18 and is already making great strides in the rankings. She’s had some great results and is in the last 16 [here].
Jovic received ‘attentive tips’ from Djokovic ahead of hitting Grand Slam ‘milestone’
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“We ran into each other yesterday in the press area and I got to share some of my observations of her game. I guess that stays between us.
“I saw she did give away in her press conference what I told her. That’s fine. It’s up to her if she wants to share.
“I really like her, she’s a great girl and has a really nice family and, obviously, I feel more emotionally connected to her because of her Serbian background so I try even more.
“She definitely has all the tools to be a future champion, a future [world] No. 1, so that’s exactly what I wish for her.”
Meeting your heroes can often underwhelm but Jovic described her encounter with Djokovic as “amazing” and added that she hopes to receive more advice from the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
“You always think about those moments where you’re going to meet your idols a little bit and, I think, sometimes for certain people it can be a little bit deflating if they are maybe not as nice or as open as you anticipated,” Jovic said.
“He’s almost even kinder and even more attentive outside the cameras than what he’s portrayed.
“It was amazing. He’s so intelligent and smart and really wants to help the younger generation so I’m really grateful.
Iva Jovic – Jasmine Paolini – Australian Open highlights
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“Hopefully I’ll speak with him more and listen to his advice.”
Jovic, the 29th seed in Melbourne, takes on Yulia Putintseva next and, should she prevail, could face top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals.
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