The New American Sweetheart: 18-Year-Old Iva Jovic Stuns the Australian Open, Coco Gauff Survives, and Sinner Sweats
We have our first true “Cinderella” of Melbourne.
While the world was watching the top seeds, 18-year-old American Iva Jovic just kicked down the door.
- The Upset: Jovic, who is playing in her first major breakout season, dominated Italian 7th seed Jasmine Paolini(6-2, 7-6) on John Cain Arena this afternoon.
- The Stat: Jovic is the youngest American to reach the Round of 16 in Australia since Coco Gauff herself.
Meanwhile…
- Coco Gauff had to battle. She dropped the first set to fellow American Hailey Baptiste but rallied to win (3-6, 6-0, 6-3). She looked shaky, but champions win ugly.
- Jannik Sinner is currently in a dogfight with unseeded American Eliot Spizzirri, proving that the Melbourne heat is leveling the playing field.
The Verdict: American tennis is officially deep. Keep an eye on Jovic—she plays with zero fear.