Iva Jović’s Rise on Grass Courts

At the All England Club in London, Iva Jović showcased her skills by defeating Tatjana Maria. The American, a rising star at just 18, demonstrated a surprising comfort on grass, unusual for someone who grew up in Los Angeles without any exposure to this surface. Her ability to stay low and send powerful groundstrokes across the grass has turned her into a formidable opponent, even causing trouble for accomplished players.

Jović, now ranked No. 16, progressed rapidly by defeating Amanda Anisimova, a previous Wimbledon finalist, and by reaching the semifinals at the Queen’s Club tournament. In her recent match, she dominated against Maria, the 2025 Queen’s champion and a former Wimbledon semifinalist, with a score of 6-1, 6-2.

Her background in soccer plays a significant role in her success. Growing up in Los Angeles, Jović played soccer locally, which she believes has greatly influenced her footwork on the tennis court. “It was so helpful,” she said, emphasizing the similarities between soccer movements and tennis footwork. Jović was a left-winger, adept with both feet, known for her movement and ability to find space.

Even though she shifted her focus to tennis at 13, due to the demands of her soccer team’s schedule during the pandemic and international commitments, Jović retained her love for soccer. She even carries a soccer ball for a kick-around with her coach. The World Cup offers a welcome relief from the relentless pace of tennis.

Jović’s family background is diverse. Her Serbian father and Croatian mother are pharmacy managers who moved to the U.S. before she was born. She carries a global perspective, with relatives across Europe, and finds soccer a universal connector, much like her worldwide family connections.

Many tennis players share a similar affinity for soccer. Carlos Alcaraz, for instance, was known for his focus on Spain’s performance during the European Championship. Coco Gauff, another tennis professional, is known for her soccer skills, while Rafael Nadal’s uncle was a renowned soccer player for Barcelona and Spain.

Jović’s game on grass is characterized by controlled aggressiveness. Despite adapting her serve and nutritional strategies to manage the challenges of the surface, her inherent skills have kept her competitive. She often seeks advice from Novak Djokovic, finding his insights valuable for her grass-court gameplay.

Jessica Pegula, who has competed on various surfaces, recognizes Jović’s suitability for grass. “She absorbs pace really well,” Pegula noted, suggesting that Jović’s serving efficiency on grass sets her apart. Pegula applauded her consistent performance, particularly at the Australian Open, where Jović reached the quarterfinals.

Tracy Austin, a former U.S. Open champion, believes Jović’s backhand and movement make her a tough opponent. Austin emphasized Jović’s competitiveness, predicting a promising career for her.

Jović dreams of attending the World Cup quarterfinal in Los Angeles, but her sport commitments at Wimbledon might interfere. If she reaches the tournament’s final, soccer will have to pause once more.

“Hopefully I don’t make the game,” she quipped, illustrating her commitment to tennis and highlighting the balance between her two passions.