“It’s not easy to start out on tour when you’re young and not have many friends”: Iva Jovic’s honesty shines after first WTA 500 crown

For 17-year-old Iva Jovic, Sunday night in Guadalajara Open Akron was about more than lifting her first WTA 500 trophy. Yes, the American teenager produced an impressive 6-4, 6-1 win over Colombia’s Emiliana Arango to secure the first title of her career so far. But as she stood with the microphone in hand and a sombrero on her head, her thoughts turned not only to the victory, but also to the value of friendship on a lonely tour.

“Firstly I would like to congratulate Emiliana,” Jovic began, her voice filled with warmth. “You’re such a great player, such a great person. I know today you weren’t feeling your best, but this happens, and you still showed so much fight and gave the people a show, which I really respect.” The applause from the crowd confirmed she wasn’t the only one who admired Arango’s effort.

Then came the most revealing part of her speech, a candid admission about how tough life can be for a teenager traveling the world to play professional tennis. “It’s not easy to start out on tour when you’re young and not have many friends,” Jovic admitted. “But people like Emiliana make it easier — she always has a smile on her face and makes me feel better on the tour.”

For a player still navigating the transition from junior prodigy to full-time professional, Jovic’s words struck a chord. Tennis can be a solitary journey, especially for a 17-year-old far from home. By crediting Arango not just as an opponent, but as a friend, Jovic reminded fans that even at the highest level, support and human connection matter as much as forehands and serves.

Jovic’s gratitude didn’t stop at her peers. She also highlighted the people behind the scenes who made her run in Guadalajara possible. “Thank you to all the sponsors, the Gustavos, the tournament director, the ball kids, the fans. You guys all made this happen and brought incredible energy,” she said. “It’s been one of my favorite tournaments that I’ve played so far.”

Her family and team also earned heartfelt recognition. “My family, my sister, my mom, my grandpa, my dad, everyone watching from home — I know you guys are there supporting me,” she continued. “And the USTA, thank you for the support. And Integrales, my entire team — none of this would have been possible without any of them. So we share this trophy.”

The use of we rather than I summed up her perspective. Jovic may be the one holding the racquet, but she sees her achievements as the result of collective effort. For a teenager in a fiercely individual sport, it was a refreshing reminder of humility and perspective.

Perhaps the most endearing moment came when Jovic, despite her nerves, attempted to address the Mexican crowd in Spanish. “I would love to be able to say some words in Spanish, but it’s going to sound a little silly after Emiliana,” she laughed. “And I lost my phone for some reason, so all I can say is muchas gracias, Guadalajara. You guys have made me feel at home, and I can’t wait to be back to play here.”

Her light-hearted honesty only endeared her further to the fans, who had cheered both finalists all week. That mixture of youthful charm and competitive maturity may prove to be Jovic’s hallmark as she climbs higher in the rankings. The teenager reached the world No. 36 - her first ranking so far - and is the only Under-18 player in the top-150.