“She definitely has all the tools to be a future No. 1”: Novak Djokovic praises Serbian-American teenager Iva Jovic

Novak Djokovic responded to the praises of Iva Jovic and assured that the Serbian-born teenager has the tools to become a “future No. 1.” The 18-year-old player is being one of the sensations of the tournament, after reaching the 4th round by defeating world No. 7 Jasmine Paolini along the way – her first top-10 victory.

At 18 years old, Jovic arrived as one of the youngest in the draw, although she had already taken big steps within the Tour. She won her first WTA title at the WTA 500 Guadalajara Open, defeating Colombian Emiliana Arango in the final. This season start saw her as runner-up at the WTA 250 Hobart Open and she reached her best historical ranking as world No. 27, while at the beginning of 2025 she was only No. 191.

The teenager recognized in a recent press conference her admiration for the 24-time Grand Slam champion and how inspiring were the words she exchanged with the Serbian at Melbourne Park. "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,” the 18-year-old American player, daughter of Serbian parents, added. "Hopefully I'll speak with him more and listen to his advice."

In Djokovic’s recent press conference – after defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets – he was asked about his opinion of the young American. "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.”

"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,” the 10-time Australian Open champion added. "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."

Djokovic prepares for his 4th-round clash against Czech Jakub Mensik, a familiar opponent for the Serbian, with a 1-1 head-to-head. Their last meeting was in none other than the final of the Miami Open 2025, where the Czech made his name known to the world by defeating Nole in a tight final 7-6(4), 7-6(4). Mensik, barely 19 years old, was seeking revenge for the defeat months earlier in the Shanghai 2024 quarterfinals, where Djokovic prevailed in three sets (6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4).

The world No. 4 has had a flawless path at the Australian Open so far, after defeating Pedro Martinez, Franco Maestrelli and Botic van de Zandschulp – all in straight sets. The victory over the Dutchman marked Nole’s 400th win in Grand Slam tournaments and his 18th match win in the second week of the Australian Open.

They will face each other this Monday, January 26, where Mensik will also have the chance to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time in his career and enter the top-15 for the first time.