The 'genetic' weapon of Iva Jovic

Fernando Murciego | 11 Jun 2026 | 23.00

Iva Jovic's 'genetic' weapon that has taken him to the top 20

Streaming WTA Queens live tennis

🎾 Iva Jovic vs Amanda Anisimova

Sign up with Bet365 here
Make your first deposit of at least €5
Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

Although Iva Jovic has been living within the top 25 of the world rankings for some time now, the reality is that the American still fits an unknown profile for the general public. On this grass court swing, she threatens to make another leap.

Because it's not normal to have the trajectory of Iva Jovic at only 18 years old. Currently ranked #19, with an individual title in her record and the experience of reaching her first Grand Slam quarterfinals just a few months ago. Now the calendar invites her to dance on the grass court swing, where, theoretically, she shouldn't have much success. However, in the WTA 500 at Queen’s, she has already secured two victories and will face Amanda Anisimova this Friday in the quarterfinals. Another example of how advanced this girl is compared to her peers.

"I really like grass, to be honest," Jovic reveals after defeating Ruzic and Eala without dropping a set. "This is my third season preparing for this swing and I always managed to win several matches, somehow making that natural transition to play well on grass, even though I definitely didn't grow up playing on this surface. In a way, I learned it, here you play from a very low point and I think that helps me, I don't know. These are just some things I naturally do and that are beneficial on this surface," explains the player born in 2007.

But beyond her numbers and recent victories, there is a component - closely related to genetics - that has caused Iva Jovic to make such an early leap in these last two seasons. An explanation for her talent, the development she has traced since emerging in the juniors. A special factor that made even Novak Djokovic take notice and offer advice to help her take her first steps in the professional circuit. What does this girl have that sets her apart from the others?

Iva Jovic, the player who combines the best genes from America and Europe. Source: Getty

"I believe I have a fighting spirit and competitiveness," the player instantly responds when asked in a press conference. "When I step onto the court I want to win every point, that’s always the case. Then there are moments where I lack experience to handle certain situations, although this is something I am learning little by little, and I will make up for it when I have more years on the circuit. What I have is that fighting instinct and survival instinct by default; that's what will help me handle the important moments better when I'm a bit older," she asserts skillfully.

The origins of Iva Jovic, a mix between America and Europe

With a Serbian father and a Croatian mother, the truth is that Iva Jovic was not born in either of these two countries, although she carries Balkan blood within her. She was born in Torrance, California, where she grew up and was raised, where she belongs. She represents the American flag, although she senses she has traits from multiple places within. This was also asked about at Queen’s, to which she responded with a smile on her face.

"I have a lot of family here in London on my father's side; they live here, so I take the opportunity to have lunch with them and see them. They come to support me in the matches, which is very positive. My mom is also here, so we keep good routines and speak the language. Now I am far from California, far from the sea, but it's also great when I bring out my European side that I also carry within. In the end, I have family all over the world, which is great," concludes Iva.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El arma ‘genética’ de Iva Jovic

WTA