“When Novak gives you advice, you follow it”: Iva Jovic credits Djokovic after first Top-10 victory

Iva Jovic has been one of the surprises of the Australian Open so far. The 18-year-old American claimed her first Top-10 victory in the third round, defeating World No. 7 Jasmine Paolini 6–2, 7–6(3). Recently turned 18, the World No. 29 is proving that she is already a real presence on the WTA Tour.

The young American, the daughter of Serbian migrants, has quickly become one of the new sensations in women’s tennis. A long-time admirer of Novak Djokovic, Jovic even received advice from the 24-time Grand Slam champion this week. “When Novak gives you advice, you follow it,” she said during her press conference.

Jovic entered the main draw as the youngest player in the tournament, with only limited experience at WTA level. In 2025, she captured her first WTA 500 title at the Guadalajara Open, jumping into the global spotlight and adapting rapidly to the highest level of competition. She also started the season by reaching the final in Hobart International, finishing runner-up to Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

This is only her second appearance at the Australian Open, after reaching the second round a year ago at just 17 years old. This time, with more experience and already inside the Top 30, the American continues to make headlines after defeating the two-time Grand Slam finalist Paolini.

“I think it was difficult. There were a lot of ups and downs, and I definitely had to hold my nerve a little bit at the end, getting broken so close to winning,” Jovic said in press conference about the match. “So I’m just glad I was able to get it done in straight sets. Obviously, being in the second week for the first time is a milestone for me, so I’m really happy.

“You never really know how the year is going to start. Obviously, I hoped to start well and win a lot of matches, but you never know when everything is going to click. So it’s really nice to be getting good results this early in the season, and hopefully I can keep going and winning some more.”

For the Serbian-American teenager, admiration for Novak Djokovic has never been a secret. This week, she even had the opportunity to meet him and speak with him shortly before facing Paolini in the third round.

“I actually spoke to Novak yesterday a little bit, so that was pretty incredible,” the teenager revealed. “He gave me some very attentive tips for my game and something I could try to incorporate into this match. That was definitely at the forefront of my mind, because when Novak gives you advice, you follow it.”

“It was about opening up the court a little bit better,” she added. “Not rushing into shots all the time, and finding more width. I tried to do that, and it ended well. So I’m just going to try to keep listening to Novak.”

The World No. 29 also highlighted Djokovic’s human side, describing the experience of meeting her idol as “pretty insane". “You always imagine what it’s going to be like to meet your idols," Iva Jovic mentioned. "Sometimes it can be a bit deflating if they’re not as nice or open as you expected."

“But with Novak, he’s almost even kinder and more attentive off camera than how he’s portrayed. It was amazing. He’s so intelligent and really wants to help the younger generation. I’m very grateful for that advice, and hopefully I’ll be able to speak with him more and keep listening to what he says.”

The teenager also spoke about her strong connection to her Serbian roots, a country she visits regularly. “I go every year. Pretty much every year since I was very little,” she explained. “I went last year as well, right after Wimbledon, and I try to find time whenever I can. I go to Belgrade, where I have family, and also to Leskovac, where my dad’s side of the family is. I love the Belgrade waterfront right now — it’s so beautiful. That’s probably my favourite spot.”

Just a few years ago, the American did not even dream of becoming a professional tennis player, but her strong junior results gradually pushed her toward that decision. “When I started playing, it was never really about becoming a professional. Everything kind of followed its own course. I just loved playing and competing. For a long time, the plan was to get into a great school, have a good college career, and get a good education.”

“Then things took a bit of a turn, and I’m glad it wasn’t really a 50-50 decision because of all the eligibility rules. The decision was sort of made for me unless I was going to give up a lot of money and points, which I couldn’t do. In the end, I’m happy with how it worked out, and I think it was the right decision.”

Jovic has secured her first-ever place in the second week of a Grand Slam and now sits among the last 16 players at the Australian Open. The American joins several of her compatriots — Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova — in reaching the fourth round, which begins on Sunday.

Her next test will be against Yulia Putintseva, an experienced Kazakh player, although one who is not currently in her best form, having recently dropped in the rankings to World No. 94.

“Hopefully I can keep it simple and not let the crowd or anything like that affect me too much,” Jovic said of her next opponent, who has been involved in more than one controversy during this Australian Open. “I just want to play the better tennis out there. It’s our first meeting, so I’ve seen her play a bit, but I’ll definitely watch more video now.

“She’s been around for a long time, has a lot of experience, and she’s in this stage of the tournament for a reason. It’ll be tricky, but if I keep taking care of business like I’ve been doing, I know it’ll be a good match.”