The 2025 Australian Open witnessed the rise of a new star as 17-year-old Iva Jovic made a stunning debut, dominating Spain’s Nuria Parrizas Diaz 6-2, 6-1 in the first round. The American teenager, of Serbian origin, earned her wild card with a string of impressive performances and delivered a commanding victory in her first Grand Slam main draw appearance.
Jovic’s Perfect Debut
Jovic showcased composure and maturity beyond her years on Court 7, dismantling Parrizas Diaz in just 86 minutes. The young gun’s aggressive yet precise game yielded 25 winners against just 12 unforced errors. Her serve was rock-solid, as she defended all five break points she faced while converting six of her seven opportunities on the return.
Jovic’s dominance in short rallies up to four strokes proved decisive, giving her a massive edge over the more experienced Spaniard.
Match Breakdown
The American had a shaky start, losing her serve in the opening game. However, she immediately steadied herself, firing a stunning backhand down the line to break back in the second game. From there, Jovic denied a break point in the third game and never looked back, consolidating her lead with a series of aggressive plays.
A medical timeout for Parrizas Diaz at 3-1 did little to disrupt Jovic’s momentum. The teenager kept the pressure on, forcing errors from her opponent and sealing the first set with a volley winner at the net.
In the second set, Jovic continued her dominance, shrugging off two break points in the third game and taking control with another break in the fourth. Serving for the match at 5-1, Jovic faced two more break points but stood tall, forcing a backhand error from Parrizas Diaz to secure her victory.
Next Challenge: Elena Rybakina
Jovic’s remarkable debut sets the stage for a high-stakes second-round clash against world No. 6 Elena Rybakina. The reigning Wimbledon champion brings a wealth of experience and power to the encounter, making it a significant test for the young American.
Rybakina is coming off a dominant first-round win, and her booming serve and aggressive baseline game will provide a formidable challenge. For Jovic, it’s an opportunity to test her mettle against one of the game’s best and continue her breakout run.
A Rising Star
Iva Jovic’s triumph at the Australian Open continues her meteoric rise following a strong showing at last year’s US Open. Her blend of power, precision, and mental toughness signals the arrival of a potential future star in women’s tennis.
As the 17-year-old steps onto a bigger stage in her next match, all eyes will be on whether she can carry her momentum and make an impact against one of the sport’s elite players.