Iva Jovic explains what she finds most challenging about facing the WTA’s top players

Iva Jovic’s rise through the ranks hasn’t come out of nowhere, but her strong start to 2026 has certainly added to the hype surrounding her.

Breaking into the top 20 after a quarter-final run at the Australian Open, Jovic has continued her good form by reaching the last eight in Charleston, where she’s set to face Anna Kalinskaya.

Speaking ahead of their meeting, Jovic spoke about what it’s been like to go up against some of the top players on tour and what she still finds challenging about competing at this level.

Iva Jovic discusses the challenge of playing against the WTA’s top players

Jovic’s run at the Australian Open ended in the quarter-finals, where she was beaten by world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets. The match highlighted the gap between her and the top players, giving her a clear sense of what areas she needs to work on.

After that defeat, Jovic took note of what she needs to develop if she wants to close that gap at the very top level. Speaking with The Tennis Channel, Jovic said: “I think a little bit of this, some tactical and mental adjustments. A lot of the girls who are ruling the sport right now are big hitters.”

She added: “They don’t give you a lot of rhythm and so far, I’ve struggled with that because I’m more the player who works the point. And I’m not that tall, so I’m still kind of finding my way against those types of players.”

But while it’s an ongoing process, Jovic is confident she’ll continue improving as time goes on.

“But thankfully, I’m young, I have a lot of time, and it’s getting better,” she explained. “That’s kind of a matchup that I personally need to get better with.

“And it’s break hold tennis at the top of the game, so you’ve got to be taking care of your serve. And then when you get your one look, you have to take it. So keep working on those serve plus one patterns.”

If Jovic goes all the way in Charleston Open title this week could push her into up into that bracket for good.

Iva Jovic’s strong start to the 2026 WTA season

Before arriving in Charleston, Jovic had already competed in seven tournaments during the first three months of the 2026 season.

The American has only suffered one first round exit, which came against Camila Osorio at Indian Wells, and she’s already racked up 17 victories.

That includes a final appearance at the Hobart International, as well as a semi-final place at the ASB Classic.

Jovic is still searching for her first title of the year. And it may not be long until she achieves that milestone, with some solid form going into Charleston.

Jovic will likely have to beat Jessica Pegula en route to the title, however, which will be her biggest career win to date.

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