"It’s painful, but that’s also what makes winning feel so amazing" - Iva Jovic explains how her love for tennis stems from the competitive nature of sport

One of the stories of 2026 has been Iva Jovic's ascent up the WTA Tour as she has started to make a real impression. Her breakthrough came last year when she won the Guadalajara Open, but the 18-year-old has proved that it was no fluke after a blistering start to 2026. Now sitting in world number 16, Jovic explained on The Big T podcast how she is still getting used to the WTA Tour and why she loves the sport so much.

Jovic's most recent display came at the Miami Open where she would lose out to an inform Talia Gibson 6-2, 6-2. This backed up an opening round exit at Indian Wells to the hands of Camila Osorio. While her form has slowed down in recent weeks, the hype is still surrounding her as she prepares for the transition to clay.

Jovic's start to the year was a statement of intent. She reached the semi-final stage of the ASB Classic, losing to eventual winner Elina Svitolina in a tight tennis match before coming unstuck in the final of the Hobart International to Elisabetta Cocciaretto. The American would continue this sublime form into the Australian Open where a maiden quarterfinal appearance was her reward for taking down the likes of Jasmine Paolini before world number one Aryna Sabalenka gave her a reality check.

In total, Jovic played 14 matches Down Under, meaning her priority after it was to rest amid the hype and media attention she was getting. "I think it was important to go back home and rest. I played so many matches during those weeks—I think I had the most time on court out of anyone on tour," she stated.

"I rested, got back to training, and dealt with a few small illnesses, which I think happens when you’re adjusting to long trips and constant travel. Now I’m feeling much better and learning how to manage everything—travel, recovery, and how your body is taxed on tour. I’ve had some great training and played tough matches since Australia, and I’ve learned a lot from it. I’m happy with where I am now."

This experience has already proven valuable as she is starting to realise the grand scale of the WTA Tour and its relentless nature. This has forced her to change habits and adjust her routine. "It’s a lot about routines—figuring out what works for you. Which hotel you like, when you get to the site, when you practice," she explained.

"I’m trying to become a morning person—I don’t know if I like getting up early, but I feel good afterwards. When you’re younger, you think the tour is just the Grand Slams and a few big events like Indian Wells Open and Miami Open. But then you realize it’s every week, constant travel, and everything is last-minute. So it’s about building routines based on what works—and what doesn’t."

Being so young, there is a lot for Jovic to learn and take in ahead of what will hopefully be a long and prosperous campaign at the top of tennis. One thing to learn is how to deal with defeats. No tennis player likes losing but it is how you pick yourself up after one.

"I think I’m getting better. It’s probably not where it should be yet, but I have a great coach and team helping me," she commented. "I’m trying to think of matches not just as wins or losses, but in terms of what I improved and what I didn’t. Ultimately, I want to be the best player I can be for the next 10–12 years—it’s not just about winning right now. If that means taking some losses while developing my game, I’m okay with that."

While at times she looks the part, she is still getting used to being on the big stage with all the spotlights shining on her. "Probably not all the time—I just talk well. I love talking, so don’t let it fool you," she joked. "Outside the court, I’m a bit clumsy and all over the place. I lose everything—that’s my thing. I oversleep sometimes—even on match days. I’m still working on becoming a morning person. Hopefully one day I’ll be as responsible and mature as I sound.

Tennis is an enthralling sport watched and treasured by many around the world. For the players, this is the same despite the high stakes. Jovic has capitalised on the rewards in her early years on the WTA circuit, relishing stepping onto the court and competing with the best.

"I love competition. It’s not just about winning or losing—it’s about how you feel when you compete," she acknowledged. "That feeling in the morning before a match, like a little hole in your stomach—you feel alive, full of energy."

Even after time spent away from the court, she is itching to get back on it. "When I’m not playing for a few weeks, I miss it. Even the toughest matches—it’s that energy and excitement. Tennis is so personal. It’s just you and one other person—it’s like a duel. There’s no time limit, so it’s just you in your own world. It’s painful, but that’s also what makes winning feel so amazing. For me, it’s definitely the competition and how it makes me feel.

Tennis is a big part of Jovic's life, but the same goes for her family. Her competitive edge she brings to the tournaments was born and bred from spending time with her family, regularly going toe-to-toe in all sorts of events. "My sister Mia—shout out to her—she just completed the LA Marathon a week ago, which is amazing," she gleefully said. "We competed all the time growing up. And Mia, sorry—I cheated a lot! I played dirty. I knew how to push her buttons, and she fell for it every time. So yeah, that’s definitely where my competitive side comes from."