Iva Jovic Upsets Jasmine Paolini at Australian Open with Advice from Novak Djokovic
MELBOURNE, Australia — In an impressive display of talent and resilience, 18-year-old Iva Jovic achieved a stunning victory over No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini, winning 6-2, 7-6 (3) in the third round of the Australian Open. This win marks a significant milestone for Jovic, as it is her first advancement to the second week of a Grand Slam tournament.
Advice from a Legend: Novak Djokovic
In the lead-up to the match, Jovic sought guidance from none other than Novak Djokovic. As a Serbian-American, her connection to the tennis icon was personal; Djokovic’s achievements resonate deeply within her family, particularly due to her Serbian heritage.
“Actually, I spoke to Novak yesterday a little bit. So it was pretty incredible,” Jovic shared during her post-match news conference. “He gave me some very attentive tips, and I tried to incorporate that into my match.”
Key Takeaways from Djokovic’s Tips:
- Open Up the Court: Jovic learned the importance of positioning and shot selection.
- Stay Composed: Even when faced with challenges, remaining focused is crucial.
A Personal Connection
Jovic’s relationship with Djokovic has been shaped by her family ties and frequent visits to Serbia. Her father’s Serbian roots have made Novak a national hero in her family. Inspired by both Djokovic and Monica Seles, Jovic’s aspiration to succeed in tennis was deeply spurred by her heritage and role models.
Jovic faced a moment of uncertainty when she was broken twice while serving for the match but stayed calm, indebted to Djokovic’s guidance.
“That was one of the things in the forefront of my mind,” she said, smiling. “I think when Novak gives you some advice, you follow it.”
Match Overview: Jovic vs. Paolini
The match showcased Jovic’s evolution as a player, particularly after her straight-sets loss to Paolini at the previous year’s U.S. Open.
Match Statistics:
- First Set: Jovic dominated with a score of 6-2.
- Second Set: A tense tiebreak led to a 7-6 (3) win.
As she moves forward, Jovic has her sights set on facing Yulia Putintseva, who has shown resilience against stiff competition.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Jovic
Jovic, the youngest player in the women’s top 100, will now prepare for her upcoming match against Putintseva—who has had an impressive career including two quarterfinal appearances at the French Open and a solid performance in prior Grand Slam events. The upcoming encounter promises to be both thrilling and challenging.
Jovic’s Upcoming Match:
- Opponent: Yulia Putintseva
- Current Ranking: 31 years old, experienced competitor
A Bright Future
Jovic’s remarkable achievement at the Australian Open, leveraging tips from a legend like Djokovic, signals that the future of women’s tennis is bright. In her on-court interviews, she expressed admiration for both Djokovic and Seles, stating,
“You always think about those moments where you’re going to meet your idols… he’s almost even kinder and even more attentive outside the cameras than what he’s portrayed.”
With steadfast determination and mentorship from established players, Jovic is poised to make a significant impact in the world of tennis.
Conclusion
Iva Jovic’s victory is not just a testament to her skills on the court but also highlights the importance of mentorship and inspiration in shaping young athletes. As she continues her journey in the Australian Open, the world waits with bated breath to see how far she can go. For more updates on the tournament, keep an eye on the latest news from Australian Open.
