Iva Jovic wins 2026 Guadalajara Open for second straight year
Iva Jovic successfully goes back-to-back, winning the 2026 Guadalajara Open in straight sets over fellow American Peyton Stearns
In a thrilling comeback, 18-year-old American tennis sensation Iva Jovic successfully defended her title at the 2026 Guadalajara Open, securing her second consecutive victory. The WTA 500 title she won in 2025 propelled her to become the fourth-ranked American woman on the WTA Tour, alongside Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Amanda Anisimova.
Jovic exhibited a composed and mature game, as she held off a tough challenge from fellow American Peyton Stearns in the finals, claiming the match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. The Guadalajara Open holds a special place in Jovic's career, as both of her WTA title wins were earned there. She secured her latest triumph just before rain began to fall during the trophy ceremony.
Jovic's ranking has now soared to World No. 13 in the WTA live rankings. Throughout the tournament, she maintained a streak of never dropping a set, showcasing her consistent and confident performance. With her focus now shifting to the Asian swing, Jovic's strong showing has caught the attention of tennis enthusiasts. While her friend and fellow player Alexandra Eala has also had a stellar season, Jovic remains the higher-ranked player and a fan-favorite.
Their intense US Open match was one of the highlights of the tournament. Jovic, who looks up to tennis legend Novak Djokovic as a mentor and friend, is expected to continue her impressive trajectory in the coming seasons.
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