Novak Djokovic names ‘future world No.1’ who has caught his eye at Australian Open | Tennis | Sport

Jovic, who was born in California to Serbian parents, made her professional debut in 2022 when she was 14 years of age. Nearly four years later, she is ranked inside the world’s top 30 and has been mixing it with many of the game’s best players. She won her first WTA 500 event at the Guadalajara Open last year and has maintained her impressive form at the Australian Open.

Djokovic has been giving advice to Jovic behind the scenes and the veteran Serb is convinced that she will eventually reach the very top.

Speaking after his victory over Botic van de Zandschulp, he said: “I got to know Iva last year for the first time. She’s so young, she’s only 18 and is already making great strides in the rankings. She’s had some great results and is in the last 16 [here].

“We ran into each other yesterday in the press area and I got to share some of my observations of her game. I guess that stays between us.

“I saw she did give away in her press conference what I told her. That’s fine. It’s up to her if she wants to share. I really like her, she’s a great girl and has a really nice family.

“Obviously, I feel more emotionally connected to her because of her Serbian background so I try even more. She definitely has all the tools to be a future champion, a future [world] No. 1, so that’s exactly what I wish for her.”

“You always think about those moments where you’re going to meet your idols a little bit and, I think, sometimes for certain people it can be a little bit deflating if they are maybe not as nice or as open as you anticipated,” she explained.

“He’s almost even kinder and even more attentive outside the cameras than what he’s portrayed. It was amazing.

“He’s so intelligent and smart and really wants to help the younger generation so I’m really grateful. Hopefully I’ll speak with him more and listen to his advice.”

Jovic will face her toughest test yet in the Australian Open quarter-finals, with Aryna Sabalenka standing between her and a place in the semis.