A Star-Making Moment in New York
Iva Jovic announced herself to the tennis world with a gripping three-set victory over Alex Eala in the third round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows, and one prominent voice in the sport is already forecasting a major title in her near future. Rennae Stubbs, the four-time Grand Slam doubles champion who currently coaches Serena Williams, declared on her podcast that Jovic is a genuinely special talent capable of winning a major within the next 12 to 18 months.
Stubbs pointed to marked improvements across almost every department of Jovic's game, noting that her forehand, once considered a liability, has developed serious power and direction. Her serve has also added pace since her early days on tour, and crucially, Stubbs praised the teenager's mental fortitude, describing a moment in the third set where Jovic, a break down, pumped herself up and refused to let Eala close the match out. The American ultimately wrapped up the win before losing her next match in straight sets to compatriot Coco Gauff.
Eala's Learning Curve Begins Here
For Eala, who had built enormous momentum over the summer by winning in Washington and producing strong showings at Wimbledon, Canada, and Cincinnati, the defeat was a sharp reminder of how unforgiving Grand Slam tennis can be. Stubbs said the 21-year-old Filipino star began the match looking nervous and unsettled, though she was equally quick to credit both players for delivering a compelling contest between close friends.
Stubbs had previously tipped Canadian youngster Victoria Mboko as more likely than Eala to reach a major final first. With Jovic now firmly on her radar too, the next generation race is heating up fast. TennisDraw users tracking these rising stars will want to factor Jovic's trajectory into their bracket predictions going forward.
