Jovic: "I only think about winning, I have learned to play uncomfortably"
The young American continues to impress in Charleston, both with her tennis skills and an unimaginable maturity for an 18-year-old.
Iva Jovic is experiencing a week that could mark a turning point in her young career. At the WTA 500 Charleston 2026, the American has reached the semifinals leaving more than just victories: a sense of competitive growth, mental maturity, and an increasingly clear identity on the court accompany the great pearl of the tennis world.
Quietly but steadily, Iva Jovic is learning to compete on big stages and cope with the demands of facing top players like Jessica Pegula, who will be her opponent in the semifinals of the WTA 500 Charleston 2026. Prior to that significant match, the 18-year-old American faced the press to give a masterclass on what it takes to succeed on the circuit.
This Is How Iva Jovic Explains Her Success at Just 18
Winning without Shining: A New Lesson in Competitiveness
Beyond the result, Jovic highlighted her ability to compete even without showcasing her best game. "I haven't played my cleanest tennis all week, but I've managed to stay strong in crucial moments," explained the American.
This ability to hold her ground in the match has been crucial. "I was only thinking about winning that match, not about playing perfectly," stated Jovic, demonstrating an increasingly pragmatic mindset. In a circuit where perfection is often demanded, the young American is beginning to grasp that true progress lies in competing well even when everything isn't flowing smoothly.
Mental Strength as a Major Discovery
One of the significant takeaways from Charleston is related to emotional management. "I've learned a lot about my mental strength, about accepting discomfort on the court," confessed the American.
This concept has been a recurring theme throughout the week. "I've played against very aggressive hitters and I've managed to live with the ups and downs," explained Jovic, showing a crucial evolution for her future. Embracing chaos, understanding tough times, and not losing focus have become fundamental tools in her development.
Invisible Work: Obsession with Improving Every Detail
One of the traits that define Jovic is her work ethic, even after matches. "I always go out to practice afterwards, it's something I've been doing my entire career," affirmed the American.
The goal is clear: to refine mistakes and prepare for the next challenge. "We work on what could have been done better and what I'll need in the next round," explained Jovic, revealing a methodical mindset. This routine, inherited from her junior years, reflects a player committed to the process rather than immediate results.
Clay Courts: an Opportunity rather than an Obstacle
Unlike many American profiles, Jovic sees clay courts as an opportunity. "It's a surface where I can perform very well if I manage to improve my movement," stated the American.
To achieve that, she has intensified her preparation. "I've done a lot of footwork in these days and also during the preseason," disclosed Jovic, aware of the importance of this adjustment. Her progress in this area is starting to show, especially in her ability to adapt in rallies and manage longer points more effectively.
Pegula, a Role Model and Ultimate Challenge
In the semifinals, she faces one of the toughest challenges possible: Jessica Pegula. A rival who has also been an inspiration for her. "I have a lot of respect for her, she's one of the best in the world and a player I've admired," confessed the American, acknowledging the difficulty of the match.
But respect doesn't diminish ambition. "If you don't believe you can win when you step onto the court, you've already lost," affirmed Jovic, emphasizing her competitive spirit.
How to Compete against one of the Circuit's Strongest Players
Jovic understands that facing Pegula requires more than just good tennis. "She doesn't give away anything, you have to earn the win," explained the American. Hence, her plan involves disrupting. "I'll have to vary a lot, take her out of her comfort zone, and look for free points with my serve," analyzed Jovic, aware of the tactical level demanded by the match.
Additionally, she believes that the clay courts may give her a slight advantage. "It might favor me more than hard courts, so I'll try to adjust what I've learned," she added.
Charleston, Confidence, and Sense of Belonging
Beyond the competition, the young player has also found in Charleston an ideal environment to flourish. "I love that it's a women-only tournament, with so much support and a crowd all week," highlighted the American. The experience goes beyond the court. "The people, the atmosphere, the city... everything has been incredible," she confessed, fully immersed in the tournament.
In a week that is already special, Iva Jovic continues to progress with a mix of excitement and determination. Without mentioning fate, but with the feeling that something important may be starting to take shape. This pivotal moment on the clay court tour predicts high expectations surrounding a young player who keeps growing and already threatens to shake up women's tennis.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jovic: "Solo pienso en ganar, he aprendido a jugar incómoda"