A rising American tennis star meets her foil in a French Open duel of control

Eighteen-year-old American tennis player Iva Jović, originally from Torrance, California and of Serbian descent, faces compatriot Emma Navarro in a fourth-round match at the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros. Jović has been receiving mentorship from 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who offered her specific tactical advice during a chance encounter at the tournament. Both players are focused on developing greater variety and control in their games on the clay surface in Paris.