18-year-old rising phenom Iva Jovic ends season early, despite holding WTA Finals alternate spot

Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 02:30

Iva Jovic appears to have given up on playing at the WTA Finals, which are due to begin in just over a week in her home state of California at Indian Wells, despite being an alternate in the event on paper.

Jovic has had an incredible season in 2026, losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open before running in Paris at the French Open, losing in the third round to Naomi Osaka.

Jovic also reached the fourth round of Wimbledon, losing to Jessica Pegula and then Coco Gauff at the US Open, as well as also defending her Guadalajara crown.

This put Jovic in the position that, in theory, she could've been playing at the WTA Finals in her first real year that she has had a run at the event. Iga Swiatek and Marta Kostyuk had already ended their seasons, and while it is in the realms of possibility that she does end up heading to Indian Wells anyway, albeit without much of a hope of playing, it seems at the moment that she is taking some relaxation and isn't playing further.

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A post shared by Iva Jovic (@iva_jovic07)

Unlike the men's season, the WTA will end over the next week, with Hong Kong and Chennai before the WTA Finals. But apart from that, it will be little tennis until the new year unless Jovic decides to play in exhibitions which could be in the realms of possibility.

After such a good year, she will hope to back it up in 2027 and qualify by right for the WTA Finals in her 19th year and show why she is part of a pack of real refreshing rising stars alongside her close friend, Alexandra Eala.

"Been trying to wrap my head around this season and still haven't quite been able to find the words," she wrote on Instagram.

"I'm immensely proud of the work that has been put in and all the people around me pushing me to improve but also helping me keep the simple joy of playing tennis and competing. This season especially has been far from easy but incredibly rewarding at the same time. Amazing wins, heartbreaking losses, sleepless nights, tears, joy, and everything in between."

"Let this be a reminder that you don't have to be perfect or have it all figured out. I really believe showing up for yourself every day can take you to places you never imagined you could go (that includes you who are reading this, btw).

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"Thank you to my team, sponsors, fans, and everyone who has been by my side through the thick and thin; you know who you are. It takes a village."

"Much, MUCH more to come on court next year; the work has only just begun, but for now… GET SOME REST, EVERYONEEE."

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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