American star Iva Jovic back for ASB Classic
Talented American teenager, Iva Jovic, who is ranked 13th in the world is returning to the ASB Classic in Auckland.
She was ranked 30th when she competed in Auckland in January. She moved to a career high No. 11 last month and in doing so, has established herself as one of the most exciting emerging talents.
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Her parents, both pharmacists, emigrated from the Balkans to Southern California over 20 years ago, with elder sister Mia and Iva both introduced to tennis, taking up the sport seriously during COVID.
Jovic has won numerous titles around the world as a junior, and claimed her first WTA 500 title in Guadalajara last year, the youngest American to achieve this honour since Coco Gauff. This year Jovic became the youngest American female since Venus Williams 27 years ago, to reach the round of 16 in three Grand Slams in a calendar year.
She has enjoyed a highly fruitful 2026 since making the semifinal at the ASB Classic in January where she lost to eventual champion Elina Svitolina. Jovic went on to reach the final in Hobart and the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, where she lost to then world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Following on from strong form downunder, Jovic returned to USA where she lost to current world #4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals in Charleston, and made the semifinals at Queens. She also impressed in the majors, reaching the round of 32 at Roland Garros, and the rounds of 16 at Wimbledon, losing again to Pegula, and the US Open, losing to world #5 Coco Gauff.
Her impressive form continued in September when she successfully defended her title in Guadalajara in straight sets, climbing to a career-high world ranking of #11.
Jovic, 18 is looking forward to returning to Auckland where she will reunite with close friend, Alexandra Eala, whose participation at the 2027 ASB Classic was announced recently.
“My relationship with Alex is a good ASB Classic throwback – because we played two doubles matches together there,” said Jovic. “We had a lot of fun and that was the beginning of our friendship. It was a special memory.
“She is doing unbelievably well and I am happy to see her rising up the rankings too. I hope that we can be fighting it out for Slams in the next couple of years – that would be amazing.”
Auckland provided Jovic with plenty of positive memories.
“The people at the ASB Classic were so nice, and so friendly – every driver, every volunteer, every security guard would remember you and wish you well every day. There is just a very special atmosphere there with the people and I felt very welcome.”
ASB Classic tournament director, Nico Lamperin said he is thrilled that the world’s best two teenage players are returning to Auckland.
“To have two of the most exciting young players in world tennis returning to Auckland is fantastic news for the ASB Classic and our fans.
“It says a lot about our tournament that these two young superstars-in-the-making are coming back to our tournament.
“They are both remarkable players with talent, charisma, bubbly and caring personalities. They both produced incredible tennis this year and they have both grown their games in the last 12 months.
“I have no doubt that both have the potential to become top-10 players and genuine Grand Slam contenders. Our fans will have the opportunity to see two of the future stars of women's tennis right here in Auckland.”
The women's tournament followed by the men's event run 4-16 January.
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